Toughen air standards, Europe told
Friday February 1st, 2013
Europe could face tougher air quality standards in cities following the findings of a World Health Organisation study.
Some
of the continent's existing air quality standards mean concentrations
of fine particles can be high enough to increase death rates, according
to the WHO study, which was requested by the European Union.
The research says long-term exposure to these particles can trigger birth problems, childhood respiratory diseases and disease of the arteries.
It also causes deaths from heart and lung disease, it says.
It may also contribute to diabetes and some brain damage, the review says.
According to WHO, the EU should tighten standards for particle emissions by 2015.
The study also highlights health risks from ozone and nitrogen dioxide.
Europe regional director Zsuzsanna Jakab said: "Only a few years ago in the absence of clear evidence, air pollution standards and regulations were not sufficiently targeting human health.
"Years of WHO-coordinated research have provided the first quantitative estimates of the burden of disease from particulate matter and have now established links between air pollutants and health outcomes.
"We are confident that this new knowledge will ultimately lead to more stringent air pollution control policies to protect the health of European citizens."
Tags: Europe | General Health | Respiratory | Traveller Health
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