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News & Media: Air Quality

Briefing: How clean air action can help address socio-economic health inequalities

As EU member states, regional and local authorities prepare to implement the revised Ambient Air Quality Directive (AAQD), this briefing by the Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL) argues that decision-makers and authorities should pay particular attention to addressing socio-economic inequalities in their clean air efforts. The swift transposition and implementation of the new rules, with strengthened administrative collaboration and the full utilisation of financial support schemes, promise significant progress towards cleaner air across Europe. Improved air quality will be beneficial to everyone and contribute to preventing health inequalities for those living in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas.

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Reducing air, chemicals and pesticides pollution for healthy brains: new research findings

HEAL recently highlighted the importance of continued EU action to reduce pollution in a panel discussion at the Brain Innovation Days. The science on how exposure to air, chemicals or pesticides pollution harms healthy brain development keeps growing: a recent review of 40 empirical studies conducted across four continents has shed light on the concerning link between outdoor air pollution and children's brain development.

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Polish Public Health Council publishes first-ever position on the health impact of air pollution and climate change

HEAL in Poland welcomed the first position (in Polish) of the Public Health Council on the steps necessary to reduce the exposure of people in Poland air pollution and the effects of climate change.  The Public Health Council is an advisory body to the Minister of Health. Their positioning is particularly important in the context of the revised Ambient Air Quality Directive (AAQD) which entered into force on 10 December 2024.

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First patient in Poland officially diagnosed with illness caused by smog: a year in review

While the health impacts of air pollution are well-documented in scientific studies, this factor has not been recognized in Polish medical diagnoses as a primary cause of health issues until a breakthrough case last year. As highlighted by HEAL in Poland in May 2023, an eleven-year-old boy, Maciek (name changed), suffered for most of his life from a persistent cough, shortness of breath, and frequent infections, all of which worsened during the heating season. After a prolonged struggle by Maciek’s parents to find the true cause of his health issues, a conclusive opinion was finally issued, stating: “suspected bronchial hyperreactivity/allergy due to air pollution.” 

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HEAL response to public consultation on NEC Directive evaluation 

HEAL has given input to a consultation assessing the EU NEC Directive, a key instrument in the EU clean air framework, which requires member states to cut emissions of five key air pollutants. In our response, we urge for a stepping up of EU member states implementing the law, for greater coherence in the EU's policy framework, and for strengthening health prevention efforts. Now is the time to set the EU on the path for ambitions emission reductions after 2030.   

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Polish health experts call for a coal phase out, as smog season starts

Every year, air pollution in Poland reaches its highest levels during the smog season in winter. In view of the unacceptably high health burden and health costs from poor air quality, the Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL) and health experts urge the Polish government to increase efforts to reduce pollution in the energy sector. This includes setting a swift date for phasing out coal combustion in Poland, as well as accelerating the Just Transition in the energy sector.  

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HEAL assessment of the trio hearings of Vice-President-designate Ribera, Vice-President-designate Séjourné and Commissioner-designate Hoekstra

Over the past days, MEPs held confirmation hearings with Vice-President-designate Ribera, Vice-President-designate Séjourné and Commissioner-designate Hoekstra, whose complementary and mutually enabling portfolios respectively focus on “Clean, Just and Competitive Transition”, “Prosperity and Industrial Strategy” and “Climate, Net-Zero and Clean Growth”.  HEAL was encouraged to see strong coherence among the three designates on their shared commitment to protecting health against this triple crisis.  

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HEAL annual report 2023-2024 out

Our Annual Report covering the financial period of March 2023 – March 2024 has just been published! Find out about our overarching strategic goals and the wide range of activities on air quality, climate and energy, chemicals pesticides, as well as research projects, using a myriad of tools and channels and often working with partners and in coalition.

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Letter: EU Healthy Air Coalition calls to strengthen EU clean air measures to sustain quality of life

The EU Healthy Air Coalition, representing medical doctors, healthcare professionals, patient organisations and health insurers, which HEAL is a part of, call on the European Commission President von der Leyen, to prevent health impacts from air pollution. The coalition calls to award clean air a prominent mandate priority at Vice-Presidency level, in order to save costs and protect those most vulnerable.

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Clean Air Day: Time to act to tackle socio-economic inequality and protect health, especially in cities

Air pollution is the leading environmental health threat in Europe, yet with targeted policy measures it can be largely preventable. While air pollution can affect everyone, certain people are more at-risk including children, pregnant women, the elderly or those living with disease. Another often overlooked risk factor, especially by policymakers, are the socio-economic conditions people live in.

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Letter to the President of the European Commission on protecting people’s health against climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss

HEAL calls on European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to commit to protecting people’s health from the triple crisis during her second term in a letter. HEAL urges her to safeguard and strengthen the EU climate and environmental acquis for better health, and accelerate on the zero pollution path, including for the foreseen reform of the EU chemicals law REACH. 

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