Air quality deteriorating in many world cities, warns World Health Organisation

Reacting to a new report published today [Wednesday 7 May 2014], revealing that air quality in most cities worldwide that monitor outdoor air pollution are failing to  meet World Health Organisation  guidelines for safe levels, Friends of the Earth campaigner Jenny Bates said: “Air pollution is bringing death and misery to millions of people across the world. Tackling it should be an urgent priority for governments and local authorities.

“Tens of thousands of people die prematurely in the UK every year because of poor air quality, and health limits are regularly breached – especially in London.

“Tough measures are needed to tackle the causes of our dirty air, particularly traffic pollution.

“This must include cleaner vehicles, encouraging people to drive less through better public transport and cycling facilities, and ending plans to build more roads.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

1.   Air quality deteriorating in many of the world’s cities | WHO press release