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Air pollution kills 1,200 young people in Europe every year

2023-04-24 07:28:00, Kosova & Bota CNA
Air pollution kills 1,200 young people in Europe every year
Illustrative photo

Children are exposed to air pollution levels far higher than WHO recommendations, the European Environment Agency found. The report does not include Great Britain and Russia in the list of the most polluted countries. 

Air pollution kills more than 1,200 children and teenagers every year in Europe, according to a report published by the European Environment Agency (EEA) on Monday.

"Children are particularly vulnerable to air pollution, from the time they are in the womb to adulthood," the Copenhagen-based agency said in its report.

"Although the number of premature deaths in this age group is low relative to the total for the European population estimated by the EEA each year, early deaths in life represent a loss of future potential and come with a significant burden of chronic diseases, both in childhood and later in life," he added.

Exposure to high air pollution also causes higher rates of asthma, which already affects 9% of children and teenagers in Europe, as well as reduced lung function, respiratory infections and allergies.

The study looked at 30 countries, including the 27 members of the European Union, but did not cover major industrial nations such as Russia, Ukraine and the United Kingdom, suggesting the total number of deaths from air pollution could be even higher.

Air pollution exceeds WHO guidelines

The EEA said levels of some key air pollutants "remain stubbornly above" World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines in many European countries, particularly in central-eastern Europe and Italy.

It estimated that 97% of the urban population among the countries surveyed was exposed to air that did not meet WHO recommendations last year.

The EEA said emissions from transport, industry and heating must be reduced.

A practical solution that appeared to benefit children in the short term is improving the air quality around schools by increasing the green space./ DW





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