Brunei boasts the safest air quality on earth

Brunei's air quality is among the cleanest and safest on the planet, according to a new model developed by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The findings, quoted by local media on Friday, analysed 2012 data from 154 countries and showed the sultanate only accounted for one death linked to air pollution.

Brunei had the lowest number of deaths from air pollution in the world, followed by Fiji and Vanuatu with two deaths each. However, no deaths were recorded in the Pacific states of Kiribati, Micronesia and Solomon Islands, said the findings released recently.

The new model was based on data gathered from 3,000 locations, using pollution monitors on the ground, modelling and satellite readings.

Brunei's air quality was also the best among ASEAN nations, while Indonesia was rated the deadliest with 61,792 deaths related to polluted air. When ranked per capita, Myanmar had the worst air quality in the region with 43 deaths for every 100,000 people.

It was also found that 92 percent of the world's population live in places where the air quality exceeded WHO limits. Globally, three million deaths are linked to exposure to outdoor air pollution.

"Air pollution continues to take a toll on the health of the most vulnerable populations -- women, children and the older adults. For people to be healthy, they must breathe clean air from their first breath to their last," said WHO Assistant Director General Flavia Bustreo.

Scientists from eight international institutions worked with the UN agency to analyse exposure to tiny particulates 2.5 microns in size, known as PM2.5, which penetrate deep into the lungs and in the cardiovascular system.

WHO said PM2.5 poses the greatest risks to human health and included air pollutants such as sulphate, nitrates and black carbon. Enditem