Air pollution – the biggest environmental health risk

According to the latest assessment by the European Environment Agency (EEA), dated November 24, 2023, the health risks from air pollution in Europe are too high according to estimates from 2021. The concentrations of particulate matter are above the guideline values recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). According to the EEA, air pollution is the greatest environmental threat to health.


Air pollution in Europe

According to current EEA estimates on health damage caused by air pollutants, at least 253,000 deaths and many illnesses in Europe could have been avoided in 2021 if more measures had been taken. The estimate relates primarily to pollutants such as particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide and ozone, which are particularly harmful to health. Especially in cities and urban areas, higher levels of air pollutants lead to more deaths and chronic diseases. Of all the health risks posed by possible environmental conditions, air pollution is in first place. This puts it ahead of noise pollution and the risks of chemicals and heatwaves.


Air pollutants in cities – health hazards

The EU’s air quality standards are exceeded particularly frequently in cities. This applies above all to hazardous substances such as particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide and ground-level ozone. In Central Eastern Europe and Italy, particulate matter levels are often above the values recommended by the WHO, as more particulate matter is released in these countries due to the use of coal for industry and heating.


Exposure to particulate matter

As an air pollutant, fine dust is divided into fractions according to particle size. While PM10 particulate matter with a maximum diameter of 10 µm reaches into the nasal cavity, PM2.5 particulate matter can reach the alveoli, for example. Particles with an even smaller diameter of <0 .1 µm can be absorbed into the bloodstream via the lungs .


Possible illnesses caused by particulate matter

Prolonged exposure to particulate matter increases the risk of developing asthma, bronchitis, lung cancer, type 2 diabetes or dementia, for example, in the long term . Short-term exposure to high levels of particulate matter can lead to local inflammation in the trachea and bronchial tubes, for example. They can also causeirritation of the mucous membranes, an increase in blood pressure and cardiac arrhythmia. In general, exposure to particulate matter should be kept as low as possible. According to the WHO, there is currently no concentration of particulate matter below which harmful effects can be ruled out.


Possible illnesses caused by nitrogen dioxide

The concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in the air are highest in urban areas and on major roads and highways. As an irritant gas, nitrogen dioxide can irritate the mucous membrane tissue of the respiratory tract and the eyes. This leads to frequent inflammation. High concentrations of nitrogen dioxide can cause health problems such as shortness of breath, bronchitis, coughing and pulmonary oedema. In addition, the risk of developing respiratory infections and reduced lung function increases.

Asthmatics in particular suffer from high nitrogen dioxide concentrations and their health problems are exacerbated by allergens. In the long term, high NO2 levels can also trigger cardiovascular diseases and increase mortality .


Possible diseases caused by ozone

Ozone (O3) concentrations are often higher in urban areas than in more rural areas. Higher concentrations can impair lung function and trigger respiratory inflammation. People who are more at risk, such as asthma patients and people with previous illnesses, should do less physical activity outdoors when ozone levels are high. High ozone levels can also be carcinogenic in the long term.

Air pollution particularly harmful for children

According to estimates by the European Environment Agency (EEA), high levels of particulate air pollution leadto more than 1,200 premature deaths among minors in Europe every year. This is based on assessments from 32 countries in Europe. In addition to estimates for the 27 EU countries, it includes values for Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Turkey and Switzerland.

There are particular health risks for children and young people due to the high levels of air pollutants. Small children are particularly at risk as they have a higher respiratory rate and also breathe more through their mouths. In addition, they are closer to the ground due to their small body size and movements such as crawling. Their immune systems are not yet as well developed as those of adults, which means that they are much more sensitive to air pollution and can develop serious illnesses.


Health protection measures

As children are more susceptible to the harmful effects of air pollution, they should be better protected from the dangers of air pollutants. According to Mr. Gerardo Sanchez (EEA expert), the most important thing is to reduce air pollution at the source, such as traffic, industry and heating. To protect children’s health, he recommends focusing more on the air quality around schools and kindergartens. The air in these areas could be improved by creating more green spaces, for example. Much more needs to be done to protect children’s health due to the negative effects of air pollution.


EEA calls for air quality measures in Europe

The EEA experts are calling for the WHO’s recommended guideline values for air pollutants to be adhered to in order to prevent deaths. This would require measures to be taken at EU, national and local level. In cities, for example, traffic needs to be reorganized. Suitable measures that should be taken to this end would include, for example, the promotion of local public transport, cycling infrastructure in cities and changes to legal requirements.


Recommendation of the “European Air Quality Index” App

The “European Air Quality Index” app from the European Environment Agency (EEA) allows citizens in the EU to find out about air quality based on readings of certain air pollutants in their area. Depending on the air quality, certain outdoor activities may be less suitable if the measured pollutant concentrations are too high. This also makes it easier to understand whether it is currently the right time for more exercise, such as outdoor sports. In addition, the app is designed to help better compare the air quality values of countries and regions and to point out areas of polluted air.


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Image source: 123rf.com ©vladispas, image no. 133916646

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