The UN Environment Programme has said that pollution threatens the health of the world and its inhabitants and inflicts high costs on the global economy.
It said lead poisoning in children costs the world some $977 billion annually while indoor and outdoor air pollution cost $5.3 trillion, Green house gas emission $4.9 trillion and general waste $216 billion.
According to statistics, air pollution killed 6.5 million people in 2012 more than HIV/Aids, tuberculosis and road injuries combined and that 25 million agricultural workers experienced unintentional pesticide poisoning.
While noting that taking actions against pollution was necessary, the programme said reducing air pollution made economic sense.
It, however noted that environmental leaders would be tackling the scourge at this year’s Environment Assembly, which is the highest level decision making body on the environment.
While other countries have adopted programmes as part of strategies to confront environmental challenges, especially air pollution, stakeholders cautioned against using firewood to heat homes because it released toxic fumes that adversely affected people’s health.
They harped on the need for households to switch over to cleaner energy sources or change their old heaters and stoves.
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