Healthy Lungs for Life – Brussels Environment Low Emission Zone awareness day

Healthy Lungs for Life recently attended a Brussels Environment event, which focused on the importance of having a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) to improve the lung health of Brussels citizens.

Brussels is one of the most polluted capital cities in Europe. Levels of fine particles and nitrogen dioxide in Brussels sometimes exceed levels recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). It is estimated that if the limit levels of air pollution in European cities complied with the air quality guidelines of the WHO, there would be a measurable benefit in terms of quality of life, in some cases, almost 2 extra years of life.

The event, which took place on 19 June 2024, focused on the new regulations of the LEZ and the positive effects on the health of the population. A new phase of the LEZ in Brussels will be implemented on 1 January 2025. This will be the first time that some motorised two-wheel vehicles and trucks are affected as they will not comply with LEZ access-criteria.

The reduction in air pollution that will come from the reduction in traffic emissions will be a positive step for lung health.  For people living with a pre-existing lung condition the improvement in air quality could help to improve their standard of life.

A Healthy Lungs for Life Stand was showcased during the event and we spoke with other stakeholders on how to increase awareness of the importance of the LEZ for the health of Brussels citizens.

This follows on from our activities in Milan, Italy last year, in partnership with C40, helping to engage the public at city level to increase support for clean air policies. C40 is a global network of mayors of the world’s leading cities that are united in action to confront the climate crisis. In September 2023, Healthy Lungs for Life visited Milan, where Giuseppe Sala, Mayor of the Municipality of Milan and Vice-President of C40, launched the campaign.

The campaign included offering free lung tests and a chance to learn more about clean air and keeping lungs healthy.

Find out more about the Healthy Lungs for Life Campaign and get in touch if you want to know more about how the campaign can help your city.

Find out more about the effects of pollution on health.