Reference/Research /Data: WHO Releases Country Estimates on Air Pollution Exposure, Health Impact; Interactive Map Available

From the World Health Organization:

A new 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.
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Data and Maps
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.
The interactive maps provide information on population-weighted exposure to particulate matter of an aerodynamic diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres (PM2.5) for all countries. The map also indicates data on monitoring stations for PM10 and PM2.5 values for about 3000 cities and towns.
*WHO Ambient Air Quality Guidelines
WHO air quality model confirms that 92% of the world’s population lives in places where air quality levels exceed “WHO’s Ambient Air quality guidelines” for annual mean of particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres (PM_2.5). WHO guideline limits for annual mean of PM_2.5 are 10 μg/m³ annual mean.
PM_2.5 includes pollutants such as sulfate, nitrates and black carbon, which penetrate deep into the lungs and in the cardiovascular system, posing the greatest risks to human health.

Read the Complete Media Release
Resources

• Global Urban Ambient Air Pollution Database (update 2016)

• Interactive maps and burden of disease estimates

• Public health, environmental and social determinants of health (PHE)

• A global assessment of exposure and burden of disease

• FAQ: A global assessment of exposure and burden of disease

 
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