EU: air pollution claims hundreds of thousands of lives in 2021
World
A new EU report says more than 250,000 people have died over the course of a year from pollution caused by fine particles.
The report, published on 24 November, says Europe's air quality continues to fall short of WHO recommendations.
According to the Environment Agency, the three main pollutants - fine particles, ozone and nitrogen dioxide - were responsible for hundreds of thousands of premature deaths in the European Union in 2021 alone.
Commenting on the report, European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries Virginijus Sinkevicius said air pollution "is still the number one health and environmental issue in the EU".
The report said 253,000 deaths were caused mainly by fine particles from gas-fuelled cars or coal-fired power stations. The particles enter the respiratory tract, increasing the risk of lung disease. They also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, strokes and diabetes.
Fine particles caused the most deaths in Poland (47,300), Italy (46,800) and Germany (32,300).
According to the Environment Agency, the three main pollutants - fine particles, ozone and nitrogen dioxide - were responsible for hundreds of thousands of premature deaths in the European Union in 2021 alone.
Commenting on the report, European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries Virginijus Sinkevicius said air pollution "is still the number one health and environmental issue in the EU".
The report said 253,000 deaths were caused mainly by fine particles from gas-fuelled cars or coal-fired power stations. The particles enter the respiratory tract, increasing the risk of lung disease. They also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, strokes and diabetes.
Fine particles caused the most deaths in Poland (47,300), Italy (46,800) and Germany (32,300).
Powered by Froala Editor