WHO Releases Country Estimates on Air Pollution Exposure and Health Impact

Source: World Health Organization

A new World Health Organization (WHO) air quality model confirms that 92% of the world’s population lives in places where air quality levels exceed WHO limits. Information is presented via interactive maps, highlighting areas within countries that exceed WHO limits.

“The new WHO model shows countries where the air pollution danger spots are, and provides a baseline for monitoring progress in combatting it,” says Dr Flavia Bustreo, Assistant Director General at WHO. It also represents the most detailed outdoor (or ambient) air pollution-related health data, by country, ever reported by WHO. The model is based on data derived from satel­lite measurements, air transport models and ground station monitors for more than 3000 loca­tions, both rural and urban. It was developed by WHO in collaboration with the University of Bath, United Kingdom.

For more information on the global assessment of exposure and burden of disease, interactive map, FAQs and press release, please click here.