Air pollution and health

A large proportion of Europe's population is affected by polluted air, especially in urban areas. The number of respiratory problems (such as asthma and bronchitis) rises sharply when specific exposure levels are exceeded. This can lead to hospitalisation and even death.

In the dustiest European cities, 23 percent of asthma cases are associated with prolonged exposure to high concentrations of particulates. Various respiratory problems, some requiring hospitalisation, are presumed to be related to ambient air pollution characterised by elevated levels of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.

Air pollution health risks

• The risk of respiratory disease increases by 20 percent by exposure to nitrogen dioxide, associated with the use of unventilated gas stoves.

• The risk of respiratory disease in infants is 50 to 100 percent higher among those with mothers smoking tobacco at home.

• Some components of urban or indoor air pollution may increase the risk of cancer. For example, asbestos, benzene and soot are classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as "carcinogenic."

• There is evidence of increased lung cancer risk in populations surrounding some types of industry, in particular non-ferrous smelters, where arsenic emissions may be prevalent.

• Recently, the exhaust from diesel engines has been found to account for 78 percent of the total added risk of cancer from all hazardous pollutants in outdoor air in the United States. That so much of the effect should be due to diesel emissions is considered surprising. The emissions come both from diesel vehicles on the roads, such as cars, buses and trucks, and from bulldozers and heavy construction machinery.

More about air pollution