There are an estimated seven million deaths worldwide each year attributable to air pollution. WHO data indicate that 9 out of 10 people breathe air with high levels of pollutants exceeding the limits recommended in WHO guidelines, with low- and middle-income countries being most at risk. WHO supports countries in addressing air pollution.

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From smog hanging over cities to smoke in homes, air pollution poses a serious threat to health and climate. The combined effects of ambient (outdoor) air pollution and household air pollution cause some seven million premature deaths each year, largely as a result of increased mortality from stroke, coronary heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and acute respiratory infections.

Air pollution.
From smog hanging over cities to smoke in homes, air pollution poses a serious threat to health and climate. It is estimated that air pollution causes 4.2 million deaths each year from stroke, coronary heart disease, lung cancer, acute and chronic respiratory diseases.

Approximately 91% of the world’s population lives in places where air pollution levels exceed WHO limits. While air pollution affects developed and developing countries alike, low- and middle-income countries suffer the most, particularly in the WHO Western Pacific and South-East Asia Regions.

The sources of air pollution are multiple and context-specific. The main sources of outdoor air pollution are domestic energy consumption for cooking and heating, vehicles, power generation, agriculture, waste incineration and industry. Policies and investments that support integrated measures to support sustainable land use, cleaner domestic energy use and transport, energy-efficient housing, power generation, industry and improved municipal waste management can effectively reduce the main sources of air pollution.

Air quality is closely related to the planet’s climate and ecosystems around the world. Many of the drivers of air pollution (e.g., fossil fuel combustion) are also sources of greenhouse gas emissions. Policies aimed at reducing air pollution therefore propose a climate and health beneficial strategy to reduce the burden of disease attributable to air pollution and contribute to the mitigation of climate change in the short and long term.

Household pollution.
Household air pollution is a major cause of disease and premature death in developing countries.

Exposure to smoke from cooking fires causes 3.8 million premature deaths each year, most of them in low- and middle-income countries. Burning fuels such as dung, wood and charcoal in inefficient stoves or open fireplaces generates a variety of pollutants harmful to health, especially fine particulate matter, methane, carbon monoxide, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and volatile organic compounds. The combustion of kerosene in wick lamps also releases significant emissions of fine particulates and other pollutants.

Fine particulates are pollutants of particular concern. Many studies have shown that there is a direct relationship between exposure to these particles and adverse health effects. The smallest diameter particles (PM2.5 or less) are often the most hazardous, and ultrafine particles (one micron in diameter or less) can pass through tissues and organs, increasing the risk of systemic health impacts.

Exposure to indoor air pollutants can cause a wide range of health problems in both children and adults, including respiratory disease, cancer and eye problems. Members of families dependent on polluting fuels and devices are also at high risk of burns, poisoning, musculoskeletal trauma and accidents.