Air Pollution Killed Seven Million People In 2012: WHO

The new figure is “shocking and worrying”, Neira told reporters. When it last released an estimate for deaths related to air pollution, in 2008, the agency had put the figure related to outdoor pollution at 1.3 million, while the number blamed on indoor pollution was 1.9 million.

But a change in research methods makes comparison difficult between the 2008 estimate and the 2012 figures, Neira said.

In the past, for example, the WHO did not take into account the overlap between exposure to both forms, and only assessed urban pollution.

Satellite imagery has made it easier to assess rural pollution, and new knowledge about the health impact of exposure has enabled a better count.

“The risks from air pollution are now far greater than previously thought or understood, particularly for heart disease and strokes,” said Neira.

“Few risks have a greater impact on global health today than air pollution. The evidence signals the need for concerted action to clean up the air we all breathe.”

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