They die from chronic respiratory ailments like tuberculosis and emphysema, and from cancers affecting the lungs, mouth, liver and stomach.

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Others considered to be high priority are students aged five to 19, those with medical conditions, especially chronic respiratory and coronary diseases, and pregnant women.

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Pollution from them causes chronic and acute respiratory ailments and premature death, and it contributes to global warming.

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The WHO "Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health" says that chronic diseases like cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, stroke, cancers and respiratory diseases account for 59% of the 56.5 million disease-related deaths annually, and much of the global disease burden is tied to diet.

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Verne Wisby, 68, suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a lung disease linked to smoking that can cause respiratory infections and breathing trouble.

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However, if patients living with one lung have diabetes, coronary artery disease, chronic lung disease or are immunosuppressed, they may also be more vulnerable to develop complications such as respiratory distress or failure if they develop an upper respiratory infection such as bronchitis or pneumonia.

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