Urban air pollution is on the rise and, to little surprise, those living in some of the world's poorest cities are breathing in the worst of it.

The World Health Organization on Thursday released updated data showing more than 80 percent of city residents around the globe are exposed to particulate pollution in doses that exceed the organization's recommended limits.

"Urban air pollution continues to rise at an alarming rate , wreaking havoc on human health," Dr. Maria Neira, WHO's public health director, said in a statement.