Outdoor air pollution kills more than 3.5 million people a year globally, far more than was previously estimated. Air pollution has now become the biggest environmental cause of premature death, overtaking poor sanitation and a lack of clean drinking water.

Air pollution is mainly associated with asthma, other lung conditions and cardiovascular diseases. Exhaust fumes from diesel, a known carcinogen, are tied to lung cancer. A 2008 federal report estimated that on an annual basis, there are 306 premature deaths, 1,158 hospital admissions, and 8,763 emergency department visits related to air pollution in British Columbia.

The United Nations, and Canadian Medical Association both see see air pollution and climate change as contributors to premature deaths.

View May 22, 2014 E&E Publishing article
View March 28, 2014 Responding to Climate Change article
View November 2013 World Health Organization Factsheet
View October 21, 2013 The Vancouver Sun article
View July 11, 2013 IOP Science article
View August 13, 2008 The Star article
View Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development page