ZME Science
No Result
View All Result
ZME Science
No Result
View All Result
ZME Science

Home → Science

A WHO report says 92% of humans breathe dangerously polluted air

Canned air doesn't seem like such a publicity stunt now, does it?

Alexandru MicubyAlexandru Micu
September 27, 2016
in News, Pollution, Science, Studies
A A
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterSubmit to Reddit

A new report by the World Health Organization (WHO) showed some chilling numbers: 92% of the world’s population lives in areas with air pollution above safe levels.

Image via pixabay / JuergenPM.

Air pollution continues to be a crucial global problem. It’s messing with the bees, it’s making you fat then killing you in the bargain — and it’s getting worse, the WHO reports. A report released by the organization today reveals that 92% of humans live in places with air pollution levels above what’s considered healthy. They have previously looked at conditions on a city-by-city level.

The most damaging air pollutant to humans is called PM 2.5, or particulate matter under 2.5 microns in diameter. These particles can get lodged in the lungs’ areolas, causing long-term damage which can lead to asthma and chronic lung diseases. It’s found in soot, smoke, and dust.

While it’s not something you want to breathe at all, it starts to become a major health issue when PM 2.5 levels exceed 35.5 micrograms (µg) per cubic meter of air, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency.  The WHO recommends keeping the average level three times lower than that concentration to make sure your lungs remain crispy clean, however.

Sadly, air today has a much higher mean concentration of PM 2.5. Here’s a map the organization put together of average levels of the particles. Green areas correspond to levels that are considered healthy by WHO standards.

Mean levels of PM 2.5.
Image credits World Health Organization.

WHO attributes 3 million deaths each year to air pollution, and most of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.

“The new WHO model shows countries where the air pollution danger spots are, and provides a baseline for monitoring progress in combatting it,” WHO Assistant Director General Dr Flavia Bustreo said in a news release.

So, where do you fall in on the map? I’m an Orange myself. Bummer.

RelatedPosts

Scientists find direct evidence that CO2 heats the Earth’s crust
Scientists find blocks of polystyrene at the North Pole
Contact lenses break down into microplastics — so don’t flush them down!
As China continues to reduce its emissions, scientists call for “cautious optimism”
Tags: airpollutionWorld Health Organization

ShareTweetShare
Alexandru Micu

Alexandru Micu

Stunningly charming pun connoisseur, I have been fascinated by the world around me since I first laid eyes on it. Always curious, I'm just having a little fun with some very serious science.

Related Posts

Environmental Issues

The oceans are so acidic they’re dissolving the shells of marine creatures

byMihai Andrei
2 weeks ago
Health

Climbing gyms are as polluted as busy city streets — and shoes are to blame

byTudor Tarita
2 months ago
Environment

This Caddisfly Discovered Microplastics in 1971—and We Just Noticed

byMihai Andrei
2 months ago
Animals

Birds are building nests out of decades-old plastic trash and it’s a record of the Anthropocene

byMihai Andrei
3 months ago

Recent news

assyrian basorelief rock

Stunning 12-Ton Assyrian Relief Unearthed in Iraq Reveals King Legendary King

June 21, 2025

Scientists uncover anti-aging “glue” that naturally repairs damaged DNA

June 20, 2025

New Nanoparticle Vaccine Clears Pancreatic Cancer in Over Half of Preclinical Models

June 20, 2025
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Editorial Policy
  • Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
  • How we review products
  • Contact

© 2007-2025 ZME Science - Not exactly rocket science. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Science News
  • Environment
  • Health
  • Space
  • Future
  • Features
    • Natural Sciences
    • Physics
      • Matter and Energy
      • Quantum Mechanics
      • Thermodynamics
    • Chemistry
      • Periodic Table
      • Applied Chemistry
      • Materials
      • Physical Chemistry
    • Biology
      • Anatomy
      • Biochemistry
      • Ecology
      • Genetics
      • Microbiology
      • Plants and Fungi
    • Geology and Paleontology
      • Planet Earth
      • Earth Dynamics
      • Rocks and Minerals
      • Volcanoes
      • Dinosaurs
      • Fossils
    • Animals
      • Mammals
      • Birds
      • Fish
      • Amphibians
      • Reptiles
      • Invertebrates
      • Pets
      • Conservation
      • Animal facts
    • Climate and Weather
      • Climate change
      • Weather and atmosphere
    • Health
      • Drugs
      • Diseases and Conditions
      • Human Body
      • Mind and Brain
      • Food and Nutrition
      • Wellness
    • History and Humanities
      • Anthropology
      • Archaeology
      • History
      • Economics
      • People
      • Sociology
    • Space & Astronomy
      • The Solar System
      • Sun
      • The Moon
      • Planets
      • Asteroids, meteors & comets
      • Astronomy
      • Astrophysics
      • Cosmology
      • Exoplanets & Alien Life
      • Spaceflight and Exploration
    • Technology
      • Computer Science & IT
      • Engineering
      • Inventions
      • Sustainability
      • Renewable Energy
      • Green Living
    • Culture
    • Resources
  • Videos
  • Reviews
  • About Us
    • About
    • The Team
    • Advertise
    • Contribute
    • Editorial policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact

© 2007-2025 ZME Science - Not exactly rocket science. All Rights Reserved.