Climate change is increasing the health risks of people with lung conditions, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a report published today warns.
Written by a team from the European Respiratory Society, which represents more than 30,000 lung specialists from 160 countries, Climate change and respiratory health: a European Respiratory Society position statement collates evidence on how the effects of climate change will intensify breathing difficulties for millions, but particularly babies, young children and the elderly.
The authors, whose report is published in the European Respiratory Journal today, are now calling on the European Parliament and global governments to urgently reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.
Existing European Union standards on air quality remain higher than those laid out in the World Health Organization Air Quality Guidelines, at 25 micrograms per cubic metre for fine particles [PM2.5] and 40 micrograms per cubic metre for nitrogen dioxide compared to 5 micrograms per cubic metre for PM2.5 and 10 micrograms per cubic metre for nitrogen dioxide in the WHO guidelines.
Professor Zorana Jovanovic Andersen, of the University of Copenhagen and chair of the European Respiratory Society’s environment and health committee, said the EU, which is revising its Ambient Air Quality Directive, is failing its citizens.
She said: “The current limits are outdated and fail to protect the health of EU citizens. Ambitious new air quality standards would ensure cleaner air and better health for all Europeans, as well as helping to mitigate climate change crises. We urge the European Parliament to adopt and enforce safer limits without delay.
“We all need to breath clean, safe air. That means we need action from policy makers to mitigate impacts of climate change on our planet and our health.”
She added: “Climate change affects everyone’s health, but arguably, respiratory patients are among the most vulnerable. These are people who already experience breathing difficulties and they are far more sensitive to our changing climate. Their symptoms will become worse, and for some this will be fatal.
“Air pollution is already damaging our lungs. Now the effects of climate change are becoming a major threat to respiratory patients.”
The report warns effects include higher temperatures, which will lead to an increase in airborne allergens, such as pollen; more frequent extreme weather events such as heatwaves, droughts and wildfires. These will lead to extreme air pollution and dust storms, as well as heavy rainfall and flooding, which will create higher humidity and mould in the home.
“As respiratory doctors and nurses, we need to be aware of these new risks and do all we can to help alleviate patients’ suffering,” Prof Jovanovic Andersen said. “We also need to explain the risks to our patients so they can protect themselves from adverse effects of climate change.”
The European Respiratory Society (ERS) has developed its own sustainability policy, including initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Last year, it began to measure its carbon emissions to provide a benchmark for improvement. The ERS is also aligning its strategies and policies to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Vicedo-Cabrera AM, Melén E, Forastiere F, et al. Climate change and respiratory health: a European Respiratory Society position statement. Eur Respir J 4 September 2023; doi: 10.1183/13993003.01960-2022.
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