The World Health Organisation has produced a report on air pollution across the globe on Wednesday. Here are some facts that resonates the demand to take steps to stop air pollution:
1. The report says that the air in Delhi is dirtiest in the world. It says that the national capital had the highest concentration of PM2.5 -- particulate matters less than 2.5 microns-- form of air pollution, which is considered most serious.
2. The report shows that thirteen of the dirtiest 20 cities are from India with New Delhi, Patna, Gwalior and Raipur in the top four spots.
3. Within the country Gwalior tops Indian cities in air pollution in terms of PM10, recording 329 microgrammes per cubic metre while Raipur comes second at 3.5. Delhi ranks third with 286 microgrammes per cubic metre of PM10.
4. The study of 1,600 cities found air pollution had worsened since a smaller survey in 2011, especially in poorer countries, putting city-dwellers at higher risk of cancer, stroke and heart diseases.
5. The average air pollution in terms of microgrammes of small particulates, known as PM10 per cubic metre, in 59 cities between 2011 and 2013 was 134, nearly seven times more than the WHO-prescribed safe limit of 20.
