Environmental risks killing 12.6 million people, WHO study says

One in four deaths avoidable as enviornmental factors contribute to over 100 diseases, with air pollution responsible for 25% of strokes and 19% of cancers

Nearly one in four deaths are linked to unhealthy environments and are avoidable, a new World Health Organisation study - the first major assessment of environmental risk since 2006 - has shown.

It suggests environmental risks now contribute to more than 100 of the world's most dangerous diseases, injuries, and kills 12.6 million people a year - nearly one in four or 23% of all deaths.