Air pollution to cause 6-9 million premature deaths by 2060; India, China by OECD report

Air pollution could cause 6-9 million premature deaths by 2060, with India and China facing threat of maximum number of such mortalities, according to an OECD report.

The menace is also likely to cost 1% of the global GDP, around $2.6 trillion annually, in terms of sick days, medical bills and reduced agricultural output, says the report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

'The Economic Consequences of Air Pollution' report said the outdoor air pollution caused more than 3 million premature deaths in 2010.

"Outdoor air pollution could cause 6 to 9 million premature deaths a year by 2060 and cost 1% of global GDP around $2.6 trillion annually as a result of sick days, medical bills and reduced agricultural output, unless action is taken," the report said.