Half of the world’s population now lives in cities. By 2050, two-thirds of the planet will be urban dwellers, and 90% of the shift will happen in Africa and Asia. This trend means that focusing on urban development that benefits health is more important than ever. In this story, we explore some of the connections between urban living and health, and outline ways that cities can contribute to healthier lives.
When air quality in cities makes it hard to breathe
Nine in ten people breathe polluted air every day. Air pollution is caused by many sources, including vehicle and factory emissions and polluting household fuels such as coal and kerosene. It can cause heart and respiratory diseases, asthma, lung cancer, and affect cognitive function. Smoking in public places can also affect access to clean air in cities.
Every year, polluted air kills 7 million people. A third of deaths from stroke, lung cancer and heart disease – three of the biggest killers – are due to air pollution. Air pollution is difficult to escape, especially if you live in a city. Microscopic pollutants in the air can slip past our body’s defenses, penetrating deep into our respiratory and circulatory system, damaging our lungs, heart and brain. Even when there is no visible smog, measures of air quality can detect toxic pollutants that far exceed the average annual values recommended by WHO’s air quality guidelines. Read more…
