The database released by World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva revealed that with the presence of high level of PM 2.5 (Particulate matter of diameter less than 2.5 micrometer) pollutants in air; Srinagar is the 10th most polluted city in the world. The period taken for the study was 2010 to 2106.
The report says out of 10 people in the world 9 inhales polluted air and 7 million people die every year because of outdoor and indoor pollution.
According to report more than 90% of air pollution-related deaths occur in low-and middle- income countries, mainly in Asia and Africa, followed by low-and middle-income countries in the eastern Mediterranean regions, Europe and the Americas.
The report says in adults bad air quality causes an estimated 24% deaths from heart disease, 25% from stroke, 43% from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and 29% from lung cancer.
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For the study, WHO compiled annual mean concentration of fine particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5 ) includes pollutants, such as sulphate, nitrates and black carbon, which pose the greatest risks to human health.
The inefficient use of energy by households, industry, the agriculture and transport sectors, and coal-fired power plants are major source of air pollution and in some regions, sand and desert dust, waste burning and deforestation are additional sources of air pollution.
Note: PM2.5 (Fine particulate matter) is an air pollutants that causes health related problems when its level remains high in air. These are micro particles in the air. The air appears foggy if the concentration of PM2.5 rises.
