Pollution

Abstract

Urban environments represent densely populated spaces characterized by people, built environments, and modes of transportation all in close proximity. Pollution as a by-product of these forces represents a substantial threat to the health of urban populations worldwide. Current World Health Organization estimates are that up to 7 million people die due to air pollution annually, with the vast majority of them in urban areas. Indoor and outdoor pollution to varying degrees in low- and high-income countries both represent threats to health in urban environments. This chapter discusses pollution as a challenge to urban health and the potential opportunities to improve population health represented by innovative approaches to minimize pollution in cities.