Air Pollution's Deadly Impact On Europeans

Air pollution is a significant environmental health risk in the WHO European Region, causing premature deaths and diseases such as stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory illnesses. In 2019, an estimated 569,000 premature deaths in the region were attributed to ambient air pollution, with Eastern and Southern European countries experiencing higher death rates. While air pollution levels in Europe have been decreasing, they still exceed the recommended World Health Organization (WHO) levels, emphasizing the need for stricter policies and actions to reduce emissions and improve air quality.

Air pollution is the greatest environmental health risk in the WHO European Region

The high number of deaths related to air pollution in many European countries is concerning, especially in Eastern and Southern European countries. The annual mean PM2.5 levels in these countries are close to or twice as high as the WHO-recommended level of 10 μg/m3. Italy, Germany, France, and the UK have high numbers of diesel cars, which contribute to air pollution-related deaths. Another factor is the use of coal for electricity generation, as coal releases more particulate material than any other fossil fuel.

To reduce air pollution levels, some Eastern European countries have proposed restrictions or even the ban of diesel cars. Norway, for example, has seen a rise in electric cars, which now make up about 60% of all new car sales. Public incentives through lower taxes and increased public awareness have been key factors in this change. The European Air Quality Index is also an important tool to increase awareness about air pollution among the European population.

The WHO, through the European Centre for Environment and Health (WHO ECEH), works to bring the health argument to the forefront of intersectoral action and policymaking. Implementing air quality policies requires coherence at global, European, national, and local levels, as well as across most economic sectors. Activities of WHO ECEH include normative work, development of methods and tools to quantify the health risks of air pollution, and support for the implementation of international legal instruments.

In 2019, 569,000 premature deaths were attributed to ambient air pollution

Air pollution is a significant environmental health risk in the WHO European Region. In 2019, 569,000 premature deaths were attributed to ambient air pollution, and 154,000 deaths were linked to household air pollution. This brings the total number of deaths in the region due to air pollution to around 723,000.

The WHO European Region comprises 53 countries, including several in Eastern Europe and Southern Europe. Kosovo, Bulgaria, Serbia, Macedonia, and Hungary have the highest rates of air pollution-related deaths. Other countries with high death rates include Italy, Greece, Romania, Poland, and Croatia.

Several factors contribute to air pollution-related deaths in the WHO European Region. One factor is the prevalence of diesel cars, which account for 30 to 70% of all vehicles in Italy, Germany, France, and the UK. Another factor is the use of coal for electricity generation, with countries like Bulgaria, Macedonia, Lithuania, Croatia, and Latvia relying on coal-fired power plants. The age of vehicle fleets also plays a role, as older cars tend to have higher emission levels. For example, in Poland, Romania, Hungary, and the Czech Republic, the average age of vehicles is over 14 years, resulting in higher emission levels and contributing to air pollution.

To address the issue of air pollution and reduce premature deaths, Eastern European countries have proposed restrictions or even bans on diesel cars. Norway, for example, has seen a rapid increase in the adoption of electric cars, with public incentives and lower taxes playing a key role. Implementing low and ultra-low emission zones at the city level can also help improve air quality. Additionally, improving air quality can have co-benefits for health, such as reducing noise and injuries and promoting physical activity.

Air pollution is a global issue, with around 7 million deaths attributed to it annually. It is the fourth greatest overall risk factor for human health, after high blood pressure, dietary risks, and smoking. It is associated with leading causes of death worldwide, including stroke, ischemic heart disease, and primary cancer of the trachea, bronchus, and lung.

Ischemic heart disease was the primary cause of death, making up 44.6% of all pollution-related deaths

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is a cardiovascular disease that is caused or exacerbated by air pollution. It is the leading cause of death globally, with most deaths occurring in people over 65. In 2019, 68% of outdoor air pollution-related premature deaths were due to ischemic heart disease and stroke. This figure is supported by a separate finding that 62% of disability-adjusted life years in 2019 attributed to ambient air pollution were due to ischemic heart disease.

IHD was found to be the primary cause of death attributable to air pollution, making up 44.6% of all pollution-related deaths. This is supported by the finding that in 2019, 569,000 premature deaths could be attributed to ambient air pollution, and 154,000 deaths to household air pollution. The total number of deaths attributable to air pollution in Europe in 2019 was 368,006, a 42.4% decrease compared to 1990.

The risk of cardiovascular disease from air pollution is increased by exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) with diameters less than 2.5 µm. This particulate matter can penetrate homes and buildings, increasing indoor particle pollution concentrations. Outdoor particle pollution exposure is particularly harmful, and evidence indicates that populations with underlying cardiovascular conditions or previous cardiovascular events are at an increased risk of PM2.5-related health effects.

In Europe, disparities in air quality have been observed based on a country's income. While air pollution in developed countries is a significant issue, it is more pronounced in developing countries, where fast-growing populations and industrialization have led to poor air quality, which has become a serious threat to health.

To reduce air pollution levels, some Eastern European countries have proposed restrictions or even the ban of diesel cars. This energy transition is highly dependent on the development and adoption of zero-emission cars, which has been happening at a much higher speed in Norway, for example, where electric cars currently represent about 60% of all new car sales.

Air pollution-related deaths are higher in Eastern and Southern European countries

Air pollution is a significant environmental health risk in the WHO European Region. In 2019, 569,000 premature deaths were attributed to ambient air pollution, and 154,000 deaths were linked to household air pollution. While air pollution-related deaths have decreased in Europe since 1990, the problem persists, with more than 368,000 estimated deaths in Europe in 2019 attributable to air pollution.

Eastern and Southern European countries have higher air pollution-related death rates than other parts of Europe. Kosovo, Bulgaria, Serbia, North Macedonia, and Hungary have the highest death rates, followed by Italy, Greece, Romania, Poland, and Croatia. These countries' annual mean PM2.5 levels are close to or twice as high as the WHO-recommended levels of 10 μg/m3.

Several factors contribute to the high air pollution-related death rates in these countries. One factor is the high number of diesel cars, which account for 30 to 70% of all vehicles in these countries. Another factor is the use of coal for electricity generation, as coal releases more particulate matter than other fossil fuels. Additionally, the average age of vehicles in these countries is above 13 years, with a predominance of more polluting Euro 3 and Euro 4 vehicles.

To address this issue, some Eastern European countries have proposed restrictions or bans on diesel cars and the implementation of low and ultra-low emission zones at the city level. Norway, for example, has seen a significant increase in electric car sales due to public incentives and lower taxes. However, the import of used cars, especially to Eastern and Southern European countries, has contributed to poorer air quality in these regions.

Overall, air pollution-related deaths in Eastern and Southern European countries are a significant public health concern, and efforts are being made to reduce pollution levels and improve health outcomes in these regions.

Reducing air pollution to WHO guideline levels would prevent 253,000 deaths in the EU

Air pollution is a significant environmental health risk in the WHO European Region. In 2019, 569,000 premature deaths were attributed to ambient air pollution, and 154,000 deaths were linked to household air pollution. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is the fourth most significant overall risk factor for human health globally, after high blood pressure, dietary risks, and smoking. It is associated with three of the leading causes of death in the world: stroke, ischemic heart disease, and primary cancer of the trachea, bronchus, and lung.

In Europe, air pollution emissions have been declining over the past two decades, resulting in improved air quality. Between 2005 and 2021, the number of deaths in the EU attributable to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) fell by 41%. Despite this progress, air pollution remains the leading environmental health risk in Europe. According to the European Environment Agency (EEA), at least 253,000 deaths in the EU in 2021 were attributable to exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution above the WHO-recommended concentration of 5 µg/m3.

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollution, which led to 52,000 deaths, and short-term exposure to ozone, which caused 22,000 deaths, further contribute to the issue. These pollutants are linked to asthma, heart disease, and stroke. Exposure to air pollution also causes or exacerbates other diseases, such as lung cancer, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

To address this issue, the EU is working towards implementing a revised Ambient Air Quality Directive that aligns with WHO recommendations. Additionally, authorities at the European, national, and local levels are taking action to reduce emissions through measures like promoting public transportation and cycling in city centers, as well as updating legislation. Some Eastern European countries have proposed restricting or banning diesel cars, and Norway has seen a significant increase in electric car sales due to public incentives and increased awareness following the Volkswagen emissions scandal.

While air pollution levels remain a concern, the positive news is that clean air policies are effective, and air quality is improving. By continuing to prioritize and implement measures to reduce air pollution, the EU can work towards preventing these 253,000 deaths and improving the health and well-being of its citizens.

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