WHO revised downwards the danger level of suspended particles with a diameter of less than 2.5 microns (PM 2.5) from 25 micrograms per cubic meter of air in a day to 15 micrograms.
The recommendation for particles with a higher diameter (PM 10) has been lowered from 50 to 45 micrograms per cubic meter of air in a day.
These two types of suspended particulars, usually coming from the burning of fossil fuels, are considered dangerous to health as they can penetrate the lungs. The smaller ones are even more harmful, as they can reach the bloodstream, according to the WHO.
Some 90 percent of the deaths caused by PM 2.5 can be avoided by following the new guidelines which are not in principle mandatory by law.
“Annually, WHO estimates that millions of deaths are caused by the effects of air pollution, mainly from noncommunicable diseases. Clean air should be a fundamental human right and a necessary condition for healthy and productive societies. However, despite some improvements in air quality over the past three decades, millions of people continue to die prematurely, often affecting the most vulnerable and marginalized populations,” said WHO Regional Director for Europe, Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge. “We know the magnitude of the problem and we know how to solve it. These updated guidelines give policy-makers solid evidence and the necessary tool to tackle this long-term health burden.”
Text and image courtesy of EFE