People with lung conditions face more risks from climate change: Study
Washington DC, US: People with lung problems such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) face even larger risks from climate change, according to research.
The findings of the research published in the European Respiratory Journal.
The study puts together evidence on how the effects of climate change, including as heatwaves, wildfires, and flooding, would increase breathing difficulties for millions of people worldwide, particularly newborns, young children, and the elderly.
The authors are urging the European Parliament and governments worldwide to cut greenhouse gas emissions and minimise the effects of climate change on behalf of the European Respiratory Society, which represents over 30,000 lung specialists from 160 countries.
Professor Zorana Jovanovic Andersen, Chair of the European Respiratory Society’s Environment and Health Committee and based at the University of Copenhagen, was an author of the report, ‘Climate change and respiratory health: a European Respiratory Society position statement’.
She said: “Climate change affects everyone’s health, but arguably, respiratory patients are among the most vulnerable. These are people who already experience breathing difficulties and they are far more sensitive to our changing climate. Their symptoms will become worse, and for some this will be fatal.
“Air pollution is already damaging our lungs. Now the effects of climate change are becoming a major threat to respiratory patients.”
According to the report, these effects include higher temperatures and a subsequent increase in airborne allergens, such as pollen. They also include more frequent extreme weather events such as heatwaves, droughts and wildfires, leading to episodes of extreme air pollution and dust storms, as well as heavy rainfall and flooding, leading to higher humidity and mould in the home.
The report particularly highlights the extra risk to babies and children, whose lungs are still developing.
This year, new records have been set for high temperatures around the world, and Europe has experienced heatwaves, devastating wildfires, rainstorms and flooding.
“As respiratory doctors and nurses, we need to be aware of these new risks and do all we can to help alleviate patients’ suffering,” Professor Jovanovic Andersen said. “We also need to explain the risks to our patients so they can protect themselves from adverse effects of climate change.”
Existing European Union (EU) standards on air quality are well above those laid out in the World Health Organization (WHO) Air Quality Guidelines (25 micrograms per cubic meter for fine particles [PM2.5] and 40 micrograms per cubic meter for nitrogen dioxide in the EU compared to 5 micrograms per cubic meter for PM2.5 and 10 micrograms per cubic meter for nitrogen dioxide in the WHO guidelines). However, the EU is currently revising its Ambient Air Quality Directive.
Professor Jovanovic Andersen said: “The current limits are outdated and fail to protect the health of EU citizens. Ambitious new air quality standards would ensure cleaner air and better health for all Europeans, as well as helping to mitigate climate change crises. We urge the European Parliament to adopt and enforce safer limits without delay.
“We all need to breath clean, safe air. That means we need action from policy makers to mitigate impacts of climate change on our planet and our health.
