Urban Areas Exposed to Air Pollution 80% Greater than ‘WHO’ Guidance

Air pollution on respiratory systems is impacting the global health and the issue is “worse in developing countries.” 

“Eighty percent of the population in urban areas are exposed to air pollution that is greater than the WHO guidance.” Dr Tweddle shared.

She added: “There is greater particle matter that pollutes the air so the population is known to have respiratory problems.”

Air pollution issues such as malignancies as well as chronic inflammation and infection, have increased in different countries.

According to The World Health Organisation, ambient air pollution accounts for just over 4 million deaths per year.

This includes strokes, heart disease, lung cancer and chronic respiratory diseases.

Thirteen percent of global incidents relating to children directly getting asthma are in developing countries.

Dr Tweddle added: “The premature mortality rate due to air pollution in these countries equates to 1.6 million lives lost due to road traffic pollution alone.”

“There’s not a lot we can do right now to offset the pollution we’ve created over the decades.”

Dr Tweddle shared the short term strategies of how to stay safe in high air polluted countries:

“Prevent the amount of time you’re in a highly polluted area, stay away from smoking or things that can irritate the airways and take prescribed medication from your doctor that prevents you from exposure.”