South Asia – the global pollution hotspot: Pakistan, India see fourfold increase in vehicles since 2000

NEW DELHI (Reuters) – Toxic levels of air pollution are disrupting the lives of millions of people in South Asia forcing closure of schools, impacting sporting events and leaving governments urging people to stay indoors to avoid health problems.

The worsening air pollution is an annual problem for South Asian nations as winter approaches and cold, heavy air traps pollution in a thick layer of smog.

Read more: Pakistan among six nations bearing the brunt of pollution health burden

South Asia has become the global hotspot for air…