Air
quality data compiled by the World Health Organization shows alarming
rates of dangerous particles in many cities. Photo by Ekhinos.
The
World Health Organization released an unprecedented compilation of air
quality data last week hat shows a dangerous increase in air pollution
levels. According to the data, over 2 million people die every year from
indoor and outdoor air pollution, and the collected air quality levels
are alarmingly threatening people’s health in many cities.
According
to WHO, the responsible element in air pollution are PM10 particles,
pieces that are 10 micrometers or less, which can “penetrate into the
lungs and may enter the bloodstream, can cause heart disease, lung
cancer, asthma, and acute lower respiratory infections.”
The WHO
air quality guidelines dictate that a maximum annual average of PM10
particles should be at 20 micrograms per cubic meter. Yet, the data
indicate some cities as having already reached and surpassed that
maximum annual average with an air quality measure of 300 micrograms per
cubic meter—15 times the recommended WHO levels. According to the WHO,
only a few cities currently meet its guidelines in air quality.
WHO
also states that elevated levels of fine particle pollution are common
across many urban areas, and these particles originate from combustion
sources, like power plants and motor vehicles. “In both developed and
developing countries, the largest contributors to urban outdoor air
pollution include motor transport, small-scale manufacturers and other
industries, burning of biomass and coal for cooking and heating, as well
as coal-fired power plants,” the organization explains. “Residential
wood and coal burning for space heating is an important contributor to
air pollution, especially in rural areas during colder months.”
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