WHO slashes guideline limits on air pollution from fossil fuels

Level for the most damaging tiny particles is halved, reflecting new evidence of deadly harm

The World Health Organization has cut its recommended limits for air pollution and urged nations to tackle dirty air and save millions of lives.

In the first update for 16 years, the guideline limit for the most damaging pollution - tiny particles from burning fossil fuels - has been halved. The new limit for nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), mainly produced by diesel engines, is now 75% lower.