As the policy deliberations on the next EU budget for 2028-2034, the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), have started, HEAL considers it crucial that health protection from climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution is at the core of spending and investment priorities.
Air pollution is the top environmental threat to health in Europe.
It leads to hundreds of thousands premature deaths per year and billions of Euros in health costs.
It is also a major risk factor for new cases of and existing disease exacerbation and all chronic diseases. Short- and long-term exposure increases the risk of cardiovascular and heart disease, stroke, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer. It is also linked to reduced lung function, impacts on the developing brain and central nervous system, increased risk of preterm birth and reduced birth weight that in turn create additional health risks later in life. And it increases the risk for diabetes, obesity and dementia.
HEAL’s new infographic on the disease burden caused by air pollution – pdf version
