New WHO Global Air Quality Guidelines

Polluted air, together with climate change, is among the most serious environmental risks to human health. The latest WHO Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) supply conclusive proof of the danger caused by air pollutants to human health, even at lower amounts than previously thought. The guidelines suggest new air quality guidelines to protect people’s health by lowering stages of key air pollutants, several of which also contribute to climate change.

An Unequal Disease Burden

Disparities in air pollution exposure are growing globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, as a result of large-scale urbanization and economic development that has relied heavily on the use of fossil fuels.

Every year, WHO forecasts that the impacts of air pollution cause millions of deaths, primarily from non – communicable disease.

Fresh air should indeed be treated as a fundamental human right and an essential part for productive and healthy societies.

The Path to Meeting Recommended Air Quality Standards

The guideline’s goal is for all countries to meet suggested air quality standards. Recognizing that this will be a challenging task for several nations and regions struggling from urban air pollution, WHO has proposed interim targets to allow for systematic improvements in air quality and thus progressive, but constructive health advantages for the population.