A free lung testing event at RAI Amsterdam brought together local residents and ERS Congress delegates to raise awareness of lung health and prevention. The event took place as new research revealed that although most Dutch doctors worry about air pollution’s impact on children, few talk to families about how to reduce it.
Nearly 300 people took part in a free lung health testing event outside RAI Amsterdam on Sunday 28 September 2025, as part of the Healthy Lungs for Life activities which took place alongside the ERS Congress. The event, organised by ELF and European Respiratory Society (ERS) with Longfonds, amsterdam&partners and RAI Amsterdam, offered free lung health checks for all ages.
The day aimed to raise awareness of the importance of lung health and ways to maintain healthy lungs across all stages of life, following activities with local schools earlier this year.
At the event on Sunday 28 September, visitors were invited to take a simple lung function test while learning more about lung health and prevention. Local residents and international Congress delegates took part, helping to make the event a lively and engaging afternoon of activity.
The event coincided with new research presented at the ERS Congress 2025, which found that while most Dutch paediatric doctors are concerned about the effects of air pollution on children’s health, few offer advice to families on how to reduce exposure. Dr Susanne Vijverberg, co-lead of the study, said:
“Children’s lungs are uniquely vulnerable, and the damage done in childhood can last a lifetime. Our findings show a critical need to better equip paediatricians with the tools and resources to address air pollution in clinical care.”
The study, conducted among 61 Dutch paediatricians and paediatric pulmonologists, revealed that:
The study, ‘Awareness of Dutch paediatric specialists on the impact of air quality on respiratory childhood health’ by Dr Berber Kapitein and colleagues, was presented in the session ‘Sleep, sleep-disordered breathing and chronic respiratory deficiency in children’ at the ERS Congress.
The findings underline a need to support healthcare professionals with practical tools and data to help families reduce exposure to harmful air. A pilot project is now underway in the Netherlands to integrate personalised air pollution data into children’s electronic health records, helping doctors provide more targeted, evidence-based advice. Dr Berber Kapitein, co-lead of the study, said:
“Awareness of the harms caused by air pollution is improving, but our study shows that there is work still to be done in the Netherlands. Doctors want to act, but they lack the tools. Providing accessible air quality data and practical counselling strategies could make a real difference.”
Each year, Healthy Lungs for Life visits a new city alongside the ERS Congress to connect science and community action. This year, local partners in Amsterdam – including Longfonds, Lung Alliance Netherlands, NVALT, RAI Amsterdam, amsterdam&partners, NEMO Science Museum and Amsterdam UMC – joined forces to raise awareness, promote early detection and inspire people to take simple steps to protect their lungs. With thanks to ndd Medical Technologies for providing the testing equipment.
The lung testing event was one of many activities in Amsterdam this year. On Tuesday 30 September, more than 500 Congress delegates took part in the annual ‘Take the Active Option’ run/walk. This event gives delegates the chance to learn more about lung health while raising funds for Healthy Lungs for Life. Highly anticipated each year, it always sells out and offers a fun way to start the day at the Congress centre.
You can read more about other activities here:
Healthy Lungs for Life is excited to visit Barcelona alongside the ERS Congress in 2026. We invite schools, patient organisations and people passionate about lung health to join us in spreading awareness and inspiring action. Whether you would like to host activities, get involved in events or collaborate on projects, now is the perfect time to get in touch as planning for next year is already underway. To learn more or to get involved, please contact info@europeanlung.org
