More people die from air pollution than Malaria and HIV/Aids, new study shows

More than 3 million people die prematurely each year from outdoor pollution and without action deaths will double by 2050

More than 3 million people a year are killed prematurely by outdoor air pollution, according to a landmark new study, more than malaria and HIV/Aids combined.

Wood and coal burning for heating homes and cooking is the biggest cause, especially in Asia, but the research reveals a remarkably heavy toll from farming emissions in Europe and the US, where it is the leading cause of deaths.