Air pollution exposures
Urban (PM10/2.5) air pollution is an indicator of premature mortality from cardiopulmonary disease in cities that is widely used. Progress in improving air quality can be readily measured and translated into quantifiable health and economic benefits. However, current average particulate air pollution levels in many developing cities can be up to 12 times higher than those proposed by the WHO Air Quality Guidelines, and recent reports indicate mortality from urban air pollution – now 1.3 million annually – may increase significantly without strong action.17