92% of the population breathes air inadequate, warns WHO

At least 92% of the world population living in places where air quality does not meet the standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO) warns an agency report.

"We need, urgently, to adopt measures to tackle air pollution," said Maria Neira, director of WHO's Public Health Department.

"There are solutions, such as sustainable transport in cities, the management of solid waste and the use of clean fuels and kitchens in homes, and the use of renewable energy and the reduction of industrial emissions."

In the report based on data from more than 3,000 local - rural and urban - WHO concludes that 92% of the world population lives where air quality levels do not match the pattern in relation to fine particulate matter of less than 2 5 micrometers.

These particles "include contaminants such as sulfates, nitrates and soot, which penetrate deep into the lungs and cardiovascular system, which represents a serious risk to human health."

The agency found that the contamination levels are especially high in the eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific.

WHO identifies as the main causes of poor air quality "inefficient modes of transport, the burning of fuel in homes and tailings, power plants and industrial activities", but also cites as natural phenomena factors such as sandstorms .

Thanks to the new existing data, experts hope to encourage States to make further efforts to reduce air pollution, especially after world leaders fix - in September 2015 - aimed at reducing deaths related to this threat by 2030.

WHO estimates that each year about 3 million deaths are related to exposure to contaminants in the air. According to the organization's data in 2012, about 6.5 million deaths worldwide, equivalent to 11.6% of the total, were linked to air pollution.

These deaths are especially caused by cardiovascular disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer, says the UN, warning that air pollution also increases the risk of acute respiratory infections.

According to the organization, about 90% of these deaths occur in middle or low-income countries, two out of three deaths in parts of Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific.