Air Quality in the spotlight in 2013

2013 as the EU Year of Air will include a series of expert meetings, consultations and EU research results to assess the significant public health problems and costs linked to air pollution, and contribute to policy revisions expected later in the year. HEAL will participate in the high-level kick-off event on 8 January 2013, organised by the European Environmental Bureau (EEB), followed by an air quality & health conference organised by the European Commission (EC), World Health Organisation (WHO) and the US Health Effects Institute at the end of the month.

A recent report by the European Environment Agency (EEA) has highlighted that there are persistent problems with particulate matter and ozone concentration levels, the pollutants deemed most dangerous to health. In cities, almost every European citizen is exposed to concentrations harmful to health.

In 2013, HEAL will step up its activities around air quality and health to ensure that the latest studies, such as the WHO REVIHAAP project, are used to underpin decisions on which measures are needed to further reduce air pollution. HEAL will also highlight the benefits to health from linking climate and air quality policies and action. HEAL will collaborate closely with members from its network such as the ERS, ELF and EFA on education, advocacy and information activities throughout the year.

On 8 January, HEAL’s Executive Director, Genon Jensen, will be discussing with the Irish Environmental minister, Phil Hogan, Lisa Jackson from the US Environmental Protection Agency and Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) what can be done in 2013 to improve people’s health at the EEB air quality conference "Blowing the winds of change into European air policy". More information on the event here.

Last updated on 3 April 2013