Air pollution kills six million people every year: Study

New Delhi: Air pollution is the main cause of premature deaths across the world. A survey done by International Energy Agency revealed that around 6.5 million people die globally due to air pollution, and this figure will increase significantly by 2040.

Due to such high death tolls, air pollution is now world's fourth-largest threat to human health, behind high blood pressure, dietary risks and smoking.

“Premature deaths from outdoor air pollution are projected to rise from 3 million today to 4.5 million by 2040, concentrated mainly in developing Asia,” the IEA report said.

The study said energy production and use – mostly from unregulated, poorly regulated or inefficient fuel combustion – are the most important man-made sources of key air pollutant emissions – 85 per cent of particulate matter and almost all of the sulphur oxides and nitrogen oxides.

The IEA report said that actions to deliver access to clean cooking facilities to an additional 1.8 billion people by 2040 are essential to reduce household emissions in developing countries, while emissions controls and fuel switching are crucial in power sector.

(With PTI inputs)