Residents of Warsaw and the surrounding Mazovia region had the opportunity to check their lung health through free spirometry testing as part of the Healthy Lungs for Life campaign at a major family health event held at PGE Narodowy on 25 July 2026.
More than 100 people received a lung health check at a family event in Warsaw, helping to raise awareness of the importance of lung health, clean air and preventive healthcare among the Polish public.
Many lung conditions develop gradually and without obvious symptoms, making simple checks such as spirometry an important way to spot potential problems early. Healthy Lungs for Life contributes to regular testing by promoting the use of spirometry as well as simple actions that can help protect our lungs throughout life, including reducing exposure to air pollution.
Spirometry is a simple, painless breathing test that measures how much air a person can breathe in and out, and how quickly they can empty their lungs. It is one of the main tests used to diagnose and monitor conditions, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), both of which can often be managed more effectively when identified early.
Air pollution can make it harder for people to breathe and can cause serious lung diseases. In Poland, more than 6.1 million people have a lung disease. Every year, these illnesses cause more than 140,000 deaths and many people lose years of healthy life. They also cost Poland around €51 billion every year. Cleaner air can help people stay healthier, save lives, reduce pressure on hospitals and help communities thrive.
The event, organised within the National Health Fund Health Zone, attracted thousands of visitors, including families, members of the uniformed services and voluntary blood donors.
Spirometry was a new experience for many people attending. Healthcare professionals were available throughout the day to explain results and answer questions about lung health and air pollution.
While most people taking the test received reassurance about their lung function, some were encouraged to seek further medical advice. In a small number of cases, the results suggested that follow-up assessment may be needed.
Alongside testing, visitors learned more about the effects of air pollution on lung and cardiovascular health, as well as practical steps they can take to protect their lungs in everyday life.
The event also supported activities linked to the 2026 Year of COPD that was established by the Polish Healthy Lung Coalition under the patronage of Monika Wielichowska, Deputy Marshal of the Polish Parliament, and the Polish Ministry of Health. The initiative aims to increase awareness of COPD, which is often diagnosed only after significant lung damage has already occurred.
The event was delivered through a partnership between the Polish Healthy Lung Coalition (Polska Koalicja ZDROWE PŁUCA), the Polish Lung Disease Society (Polskie Towarzystwo Chorób Płuc), the National Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases Research Institute (Instytut Gruźlicy i Chorób Płuc) and the Polish Federation of Asthma, Allergy and COPD Patient Associations (Polska Federacja Stowarzyszeń Chorych na Astmę, Alergię i POChP). In an official statement about the event, organisers said:
“Early diagnosis can make a real difference for people living with COPD and other lung conditions. Simple tests like spirometry can help identify problems before they become more serious.”
Community-based lung health checks make it easier for people to access testing, giving them an opportunity to learn more about their lung health and identify potential concerns at an earlier stage.
As many lung conditions develop gradually and without obvious symptoms, improving access to spirometry can help people recognise potential problems sooner and support ongoing efforts to include lung health checks in routine approaches to prevention and early detection.
Visit the Healthy Lungs for Life #BreatheCleanAir page for practical tips on reducing exposure to air pollution, information resources and tools to help raise awareness and support cleaner air in your community.
