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German government sued over toxic air pollution

A group of German residents are suing their government over "dangerously" high air pollution levels.

They claim their right to breathe clean and healthy air is being violated, and that the government is failing to protect their health. Like many countries, Germany's air pollution levels often far exceed World Health Organization limits.

Globally, air pollution is associated with seven million premature deaths a year. It is the first time individuals in Germany have taken such action citing human rights legislation.

The case comes after one of the EU's top lawyers, the advocate general to the European Court of Justice, said in May that citizens could take such action to try to win compensation.

The group of seven claimants, which includes parents acting on behalf of children, say their health is at risk and politicians are failing to protect them. A number of them have asthma.

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