The devastating health effects of air pollution are costing Europe the equivalent of a trillion pounds a year, according to a report published today.
The sum is one tenth of the annual output of the entire European Union.
The World Health Organisation published its estimates as European members gathered in Haifa, Israel, for a summit on environment and the health.
It said air pollution causes about 600,000 premature deaths a year – about 80% of the total cost.
WHO says more than 90% of people in its European region are exposed to outdoor levels of pollution that are above its guidelines.
Regional director Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab said: “Curbing the health effects of air pollution pays dividends. The evidence we have provides decision-makers across the whole of government with a compelling reason to act.
"If different sectors come together on this, we not only save more lives but also achieve results that are worth astounding amounts of money.”
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