New WHO air-quality guidelines aim to cut deaths linked to fossil fuels

Geneva: The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Wednesday issued its first air quality guidelines since 2005 aimed at reducing deaths from key pollutants that cause cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.

The United Nations agency, in advice to its 194 member states, slashed the recommended maximum levels for several pollutants, including particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide, both of which are found in fossil fuel emissions.

"Air pollution is one of the biggest environmental threats to human health, alongside climate change," it said.