Anyone viewing the smoggy images of major Chinese cities recently would certainly think otherwise with Chinese entrepreneurs selling cans of fresh air to ease the effects of air pollution.

FORBES: Why China Cannot Solve Its Pollution Problem

Janice Nolen, national policy adviser at the American Lung Association, says that rather than dealing with the harmful effects of air pollution, the focus should be on tackling the problem at source.

CNN: Smog-eating tiles gobble up air pollution

The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said even though air quality in the UK is "generally good, more needs to be done, especially in the cities, to reduce the harmful effects of air pollution".

BBC: Traffic fumes linked to lower birth weight

In March, Arne Ljungqvist, chairman of the IOC's medical commission, said the effects of Beijing's air pollution problems should not be overstated.

BBC: Rogge admits Beijing air concern