238,000 premature deaths in the EU due to pollution

The European Environment Agency (EEA) has recently released its report “Air quality in Europe 2022”, which analyzes the current state of the air on the continent, its effects on health and ecosystems, as well as the main sources of atmospheric emissions. In this article, we will explore the key findings of the report and how they affect the European population.

Air pollution and health

The EEA warns that air pollution continues to be a significant health risk in Europe, causing chronic diseases and premature deaths. In 2020, 96% of the EU’s urban population was exposed to levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) above the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended level of 5 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³) of air. In addition, air pollution also harms biodiversity, agricultural crops, and forests, resulting in significant economic losses.

Premature deaths and diseases

It is estimated that at least 238,000 premature deaths in the EU in 2020 were caused by exposure to PM2.5 pollution above the WHO’s guidance level. Nitrogen dioxide was responsible for 49,000 premature deaths, while ozone exposure caused an additional 24,000 deaths. It is important to note that the health effects of different air pollutants should not be added together to avoid overlapping data.

Air pollution also causes significant health problems and costs in the healthcare sector. For example, in 2019, exposure to PM2.5 resulted in the equivalent of 175,702 years of disability-adjusted life years due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in 30 European countries.

Progress and future challenges

Despite current challenges, between 2005 and 2020, the number of premature deaths from exposure to PM2.5 decreased by 45% in the EU. If this trend continues, it is expected that the EU will achieve the “zero pollution” action plan goal of reducing premature deaths caused by air pollution by 55% by 2030. However, additional efforts are required to achieve the zero pollution vision for 2050.

Sources of fine particle emissions

The EEA report identifies fuel combustion in the residential, commercial, and institutional sectors as the main source of fine particle pollution in Europe, mainly from the combustion of solid fuels for building heating. In 2020, this sector was responsible for 44% of PM10 emissions and 58% of PM2.5 emissions.

While emission reduction initiatives are not more widely supported, we can protect ourselves in many ways. Among other measures, we should avoid polluted areas, live in healthy and sustainable habitats with special attention to the air quality we breathe, surround ourselves with plants both in the environment and indoors, use devices that remove particles and VOCs from the air both in homes and workplaces, and take an active attitude in occupational risk prevention as regulations are often repeatedly violated in many sectors. PM2.5 particles enter homes from traffic and industry, and many cleaning products contain harmful volatile substances such as formaldehyde. However, it is in the workplace where most of these premature deaths occur.

Hair salons, nail salons, dry cleaners, photocopying shops, workshops, carpentry shops, etc. have occupational hazards from inhalation of toxic products. The regulations are very clear regarding maximum exposure levels, but they are hardly enforced. Measures should be required to protect employees and customers.

Using a proper medical purification technology like Open-Air Factor, would help protect ourselves from these annual premature deaths in our homes and workplaces. Transportation also represents a big threat to people. Inside private cars and public transportation, the concentration of toxic substances increases by 10 times compared to the outside.

In conclusion, we must adopt a vigilant and preventive attitude to avoid falling into these premature deaths caused annually by pollution.