A lay summary of an editorial in the European Respiratory Journal.
According to a new editorial published in the European Respiratory Journal, almost everyone on the planet is breathing unhealthy air. The editorial highlights the impact of unhealthy air with nearly 7 million people dying each year due to air pollution and most deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is calling for urgent action from the health community through what it calls “clean air prescriptions”—a set of five key actions for health professionals and governments to help tackle this growing crisis.
Why does this matter?
The editorial highlights how air pollution is one of the world’s biggest health threats. It is linked to long-term diseases like lung cancer, heart disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and it can even affect unborn babies and children’s brain development.
The most vulnerable—children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with low incomes—are affected the most. Indoor air pollution from cooking stoves that emit pollution remains a major issue in many parts of the world, especially for women and children.
What are the “clean air prescriptions”?
WHO recommends:
Why is this important?
The WHO urges everyone—especially those in the healthcare field—to take part in the clean air movement. You can support their global call to action here.
This is an important call to action for healthcare professionals. Patients can also act on this by talking to their healthcare professional about reducing exposure to pollution in their area and taking steps to protect their health.
Learn more about the actions you can take in our ‘Keeping lungs healthy’ section:
Read the full editorial: Clean air prescriptions: investing in healthy lungs and a healthier future
