GENEVA — Nine out of 10 people globally are breathing poor quality air, the World Health Organisation said on Tuesday, calling for dramatic action against pollution that is blamed for more than six-million deaths a year.New data in a report from the UN’s global health body "is enough to make all of us extremely concerned," Maria Neira, the head of the WHO’s department of public health and environment, told reporters.The problem is most acute in cities, but air in rural areas is worse than many think, WHO experts said.Poorer countries have much dirtier air than the developed world, according to the report, but pollution "affects practically all countries in the world and all parts of society", Neira said in a statement."It is a public health emergency," she said."Fast action to tackle air pollution can’t come soon enough," she added, urging governments to cut the number of vehicles on the road, improve waste management and promote clean cooking fuel.Tuesday’s report was based on data...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.