The Hidden Threat 83% of the World's Population Breathing Dirty Air - Report Reveals Alarming Truth

<br><br>**The Hidden Threat 83% of the World's Population Breathing Dirty Air - Report Reveals Alarming Truth**<br><br>As we go about our daily lives, breathing in air that seems clean and fresh, it's easy to overlook the alarming reality most of the world's population is exposed to dirty air. According to a recent report by IQAir, a leading provider of air quality monitoring data, only 17% of cities globally meet the World Health Organization's (WHO) guidelines for air pollution.<br><br>The report analyzed data from 40,000 air quality monitoring stations in 138 countries, revealing that several countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America have some of the dirtiest air. India, in particular, is plagued by poor air quality, with six of the nine most polluted cities being located within its borders. The industrial town of Byrnihat in northeastern India was found to be the worst offender.<br><br>What's even more concerning is that many parts of the world lack the necessary monitoring infrastructure to accurately measure air pollution levels. In Africa, for example, there is only one monitoring station for every 3.7 million people, suggesting that the true extent of air pollution may be far worse than what we currently know.<br><br>The consequences of prolonged exposure to dirty air are severe and far-reaching. Respiratory illness, Alzheimer's disease, and cancer are just a few examples of the serious health risks associated with poor air quality. The WHO estimates that air pollution kills around 7 million people each year, making it a critical issue that demands attention and action.<br><br>Experts agree that more needs to be done to reduce air pollution levels. The World Health Organization has previously found that 99% of the world's population lives in areas where recommended air quality levels are not met.<br><br>So, what can we do?<br><br>Some cities have successfully improved their air quality through a combination of stricter regulations on pollution from vehicles, power plants, and industry, as well as promoting cleaner energy sources and investing in public transportation. However, individual actions alone will not be enough to address the scale of the problem.<br><br>Governments and international organizations must work together to address the root causes of air pollution. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations' agreement on transboundary haze pollution is a positive step in this direction.<br><br>Air pollution and climate crisis are two sides of the same coin. By slashing planet-warming emissions, we can also improve air quality, as Shweta Narayan, campaign lead at the Global Climate and Health Alliance, notes.<br><br>As we look to 2025 and beyond, it's crucial that we prioritize air quality and take action to reduce our carbon footprint. The impact on our health, economies, and planet will be significant if we can work together to create a cleaner, healthier future.<br><br>**The Alarming Truth About Air Pollution**<br><br>* **India's Dirty Air A Case Study**<br>* **The Impact of Air Pollution on Health**<br>* **What Can We Do?**<br>* **International Cooperation The Key to Solving the Problem**<br><br>**Keywords** air pollution, IQAir, World Health Organization, climate crisis, carbon footprint, health, economy, planet