The updated WHO air quality guidelines are a big step forward but not a complete solution

Numerous studies have identified fine particulate matter (PM)2.5, a critical component of air pollution, as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.1 In a notable update in 2021—the first since 2005—the World Health Organization tightened its air quality guidelines for PM2.5.23 The updated guidelines recommend an annual average level not exceeding 5 µg/m3, substantially lower than the previous limit of 10 µg/m3. It is much lower than the new standard of 9 µg/m3 for the United States and is also well under the 20 µg/m3 threshold set by the United Kingdom and Europe. A recent proposal by Europe suggests only a modest tightening of their standard. This update is a big step forward, but further progress must be made to reduce air pollution and protect health.Our research, recently published in The BMJ (doi:10.1136/bmj-2023-076939),4 focusing on the effects of chronic exposure to PM2.5 on risk of hospital admission for seven major cardiovascular…
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