Pollution Is Responsible for More Deaths , Than COVID-19, Experts Say.<br />Reuters reports pollution is causing more deaths among the global population than COVID-19.<br />An environmental report, published on Feb. 15 by the <br />United Nations, says pesticide, plastic and electronic waste <br />are responsible for at least 9 million deaths per year.<br />In comparison, COVID-19 closed out 2021 <br />with a death toll of close to 5.9 million.<br />Experts say it's time for "immediate and ambitious action" when it comes to tackling <br />the world's pollution problem.<br />Current approaches <br />to managing the risks <br />posed by pollution and toxic substances are clearly failing, , David Boyd, author of the report and Special Rapporteur for U.N., via Reuters.<br />... resulting in widespread violations of the right <br />to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment. , David Boyd, author of the report and Special Rapporteur for U.N., via Reuters.<br />The U.N. Human Rights Council believes a clean living environment is a human right.<br />The council has urged the world's leaders to ban polyfluoroalkyl and perfluoroalkyl,<br />toxic chemicals used in household products.<br />The council has also moved to ban <br />cancer-causing products containing <br />"forever chemicals," such as non-stick cookware.<br />U.N. officials have recommended that governments begin cleaning up <br />so-called "sacrifice zones." .<br />In extreme cases, officials suggest <br />the possible relocation of communities affected by heavily-contaminated and possibly uninhabitable areas
