KARACHI: With the World Health Organization recent estimates that about 29,000 deaths occur yearly in Pakistan due to environment problems while damages to economy amount to Rs 4.5 billion, new WHO air quality model reveals that 3 million deaths a year are linked to exposure to outdoor air pollution occurring including in South-East Asia countries. Around 3 million deaths a year are linked to exposure to outdoor air pollution globally. Out of total 90 per cent air-pollution-related deaths occur in low and middle income countries including in South-East Asia and Western Pacific regions, a new World Health Organization (WHO) air quality model has confirmed. Ninety-four per cent are due to non-communicable diseases, notably cardiovascular diseases, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer. Air pollution also increases the risks for acute respiratory infections, WHO stats revealed. “The new WHO model shows countries where the air pollution danger spots are, and provides a baseline for monitoring progress in combating it,” says Dr Flavia Bustreo, Assistant Director General at WHO. New WHO air quality model also confirms that 92 per cent of the world’s population lives in places where air quality levels exceed WHO limits. Major sources of air pollution include inefficient modes of transport, household fuel and waste burning, coal-fired power plants, and industrial activities. However, not all air pollution originates from human activity. For example, air quality can also be influenced by dust storms, particularly in regions close to deserts. Model represents the most detailed outdoor (or ambient) air pollution-related health data, by country, ever reported by WHO. The model is based on data derived from satellite measurements, air transport models and ground station monitors for more than 3000 locations, both rural and urban. It was developed by WHO in collaboration with the University of Bath, United Kingdom. Karachi, Rawalpindi and Peshawar have already been among the top most polluted cities in the world according to July 2015 findings of World Economic Forum.