Air pollution is getting worse in most of the world’s major cities – posing increased risks of heart disease and cancer, the World Health Organisation warned yesterday.
Just 12% of cities complies with the organisation’s air quality guidelines, it said.
Growing reliance on private vehicles and inefficient use of energy contribute to pollution, it said.
In many developing countries, cities also host coal-fired power plants together with homes that use organic substances for cooking and heating.
WHO says that about half those living in the cities it monitors have air pollution levels two and a half times greater than recommended levels.
It praises cities such as Copenhagen and Bogota for improving air quality by successfully promoting public transport, walking and cycling.
Assistant director general Dr Flavia Bustreo said: "Too many urban centres today are so enveloped in dirty air that their skylines are invisible.
"Not surprisingly, this air is dangerous to breathe. So a growing number of cities and communities worldwide are striving to better meet the needs of their residents – in particular children and the elderly."
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