Clean air: a prescription for better health and a safer future

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: 

1. Educate and advocate – healthcare professionals should talk to patients about the risks of air pollution and push for clean air policies. 
2. Track air quality – doctors and nurses could use local air pollution data to understand an individual’s risk and give better advice  
3. Focus on prevention – cleaner air means fewer health problems in the long term, which reduces the strain on healthcare systems. 
4. Work with policymakers – health leaders should join forces with decision-makers to support actions like cleaner public transport and energy sources. 
5. Lead by example – from walking or biking to work to using less plastic, health professionals can model healthy habits that also help the environment. 

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:  

• Air quality  

• Air quality and lung health – the risks  

• Exercise and air quality: 10 top tips 

• Indoor air pollution: top tips for healthy lungs 

 Read the full editorial: Clean air prescriptions: investing in healthy lungs and a healthier future