UN Experts Urge Tighter Rules To Combat Air Pollution 


Countries have a duty to strengthen legislation that prevents and controls exposure to toxic air pollution, UN human rights experts have urged.

The appeal for better regulation comes from the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights and hazardous substances and wastes, Baskut Tuncak, together with his fellow UN experts.

Around seven million premature deaths each year are linked to exposure to air pollution, according to World Health Organization (WHO) estimates.

Toxic air pollutants are associated with an increased risk of disease from stroke, heart disease, cancer and respiratory diseases, including asthma, the experts said.

Children, women of reproductive age, the elderly as well as people in poor health and those living in less wealthy communities remain the most vulnerable.

The experts also pointed to a lack of accountability and called for long-term incentives for pollution reduction and technical innovation.

They called for a better regulation of toxic emissions from industrial sources or vehicles, the strengthening of waste management and recycling practices, and the promotion of renewable energies.

SOURCE: UN Radio