The WHO said the new guidelines reflect the damage that air pollution can inflict on human health at even lower concentrations than previously thought. It recommends reducing levels of key air pollutants, some of which also contribute to climate change.
The WHO last updated its air quality guidelines in 2005, but there has been a marked increase of evidence that shows how air pollution affects different aspects of health since then.
After reviewing the latest evidence, it adjusted almost all of its maximum recommended airborne pollutant levels downwards, suggesting that if properly adhered to, they could save millions of lives.
Every year, exposure to air pollution is estimated to cause seven million premature deaths and results in the loss of millions more healthy years of life. In children, for example, this could include reduced lung growth and function, respiratory infections and aggravated asthma.
In adults, ischaemic heart disease and stroke are...