"Global Air Quality Report: Only Seven Countries Meet WHO Standards, Asia Dominates Most Polluted Cities"
Only seven countries and three territories met the World Health Organization's air pollution guidelines for fine particulate matter in 2023, with the United States ranking as the 33rd least polluted country. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has finalized stricter standards for fine particulate matter, aiming to lower the annual standard to 9 micrograms per cubic meter by 2032. The report highlighted the health risks associated with PM 2.5 exposure, including heart attacks, asthma attacks, premature death, and elevated risks for communities of color and lower socioeconomic populations. Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India had the highest levels of fine particulate matter pollution, with Bangladesh's levels averaging more than 15 times higher than the WHO's recommended threshold.
- Only seven countries met WHO air standards in 2023, report says The Washington Post
- The world’s 100 worst polluted cities are in Asia — and 83 of them are in just one country CNN
- Delhi world's 'most polluted' capital: report BBC.com
- Only seven countries meet WHO air quality standard, research finds The Guardian
- Household air pollution World Health Organization (WHO)
Reading Insights
0
1
2 min
vs 3 min read
78%
508 → 114 words
Want the full story? Read the original article
Read on The Washington Post