Curious logo
 
Image depicting WHO says world's air pollution is worse than we thought

WHO says world’s air pollution is worse than we thought

 

Recommended for Secondary Grades

The United Nations’ World Health Organization (WHO) says that the situation of the world’s air pollution is even more dangerous than we previously thought.

According to its study, an estimated seven million people die prematurely each year from diseases linked to air pollution. Moreover, people in low and middle-income countries suffer the most as they use a lot of fossil fuels.

The WHO is urging its 194 member states to cut emissions and take action on climate change. This warning has come ahead of the United Nations COP26 climate change summit in November 2021.

Air pollution comes from vehicle exhausts and gas central heating. But harmful particles are also released into the air in other ways. They come from paints, cleaning liquids and even car tyres on the road.

New guidelines against air pollution

In response to this new finding, the WHO has come up with new Air Quality Guidelines aiming to save millions of lives.

The new guidelines have halved the recommended maximum for exposure to tiny particles called PM2.5s. The WHO said almost 80% of deaths related to PM2.5 could be avoided if countries follow the new guidelines against air pollution.

Moreover, the guidelines are also cutting the recommended limit for another type of microparticles, known as PM10s, by 25%.

What are PM2.5 and PM10?

Particulate Matter (PM), also called particle pollution, is a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets present in the atmosphere. These particles come in many different size range, composition and origin, out of which PM2.5 and PM10 two types.

 

Image depicting Curious Times Logo

Curious Times is committed to providing the best experience and news to children. We bring to you the Curious Times Weekly with the top news of the week. You can also check out The Curious Magazine, the first children’s magazine with all the great content by the children, for the children. We would love for you, dear children, to write and get your stories, art, thoughts and more published at My Expressions. Write to us at hello@curioustimes.in.You can also follow us on WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook Youtube, Twitter, LinkedIn.

  (Please login to give a Curious Clap to your friend.)

Share your comment!

To post your comment Login/Signup