In both the United States and Western Europe, the effects of pollution on human health have declined dramatically in the last half-century. Widespread industrial pollution persists, however, in many regions of the world. More than a million people still die each year from urban air pollution and lead poisoning, and over 80 percent of all diseases recorded by the World Health Organization are wholly or partially attributable to environmental factors (WHO 2006).
Earlier this month, the Blacksmith Institute's Polluted Places Initiative released an unranked list of the 10 most polluted cities in the world. More than 400 cities were nominated and evaluated for this dubious honor. The winners are not ranked, but are presented below, alphabetically by country.
See full Press Release.
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