WHO warnings on air pollution are a wake-up call

MUMBAI: The World Health Organization this week, called for global action against air pollution, estimating that the hazards were much more serious than previously estimated. The warnings were issued at the latest meeting of the ' Climate and Clean Air Coalition of the United Nation's Environment Programme' in France.

It particularly underlined the need for South Asia to safeguard against "indoor air pollution", which has become the leading risk factor for diseases.

"The estimations tell us there are 3.5 million premature deaths every year caused by household air pollution, and 3.3 million death every year caused by outdoor air pollution," stated Dr. Maria Neira, WHO's Director of Public Health and Environment, in a press release.

The 'Coalition' traced short-lived climate pollutants to everyday sources such as diesel engine exhaust, or cooking stoves and shoddy solid waste disposal which are among the leading causes of emissions in India. Cooking stoves for instance, explained the agency, emits carbon monoxide up to 100 times higher than recommended limits.