Rising air pollution in world’s cities hurts millions, UN says

“Ambient air pollution, made of high concentrations of small and fine particulate matter, is the greatest environmental risk to health — causing more than 3 million premature deaths worldwide ever year,” WHO said.

An accompanying news release said global urban air pollution levels rose 8 percent over that span “despite improvements in some regions,” and noted that people face a higher risk of strokes, heart disease, lung cancer and respiratory diseases as the air quality worsens.

The change coincides with a series of measures including banning older cars and cargo trucks, introducing steep fines for construction pollution or garbage burning, and shutting down an old coal-fired power plant.