Press release – 14th October 2024

Today, the EU Environment Ministers confirmed the revised Ambient Air Quality Directive, which was agreed in trilogue in February 2024. The revised legislation updates limits for key air pollutants in the EU to align more closely with the latest World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations, and to reflect the serious health impacts of air pollution. The Health and Environment Alliance welcomes this major step towards clean air for better health and calls for swift implementation across EU member states. 

Air pollution is the top environmental threat to health in Europe, with 97% of the urban population breathing unhealthy air. It leads to hundreds of thousands of premature deaths per year and billions of Euros in health costs. It is also a major risk factor for the exacerbation of existing diseases and all chronic conditions. Both short- and long-term exposure increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, heart disease, stroke, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer. Additionally, it is linked to reduced lung function, impacts on the developing brain and central nervous system, an increased risk of preterm birth, and reduced birth weight, which in turn create additional health risks later in life. Furthermore, it raises the risk of diabetes, obesity, and dementia.

Once the new law is published in the official journal of the EU, Member states will have up to two years to transpose the directive into national legislation. The EU Healthy Air Coalition, which HEAL is a part of, is ready to support a swift and health-promoting transposition.

“The adoption of this revised directive is a milestone for people’s health across the EU, but the real work begins now. Member states must act decisively to meet these new standards by 2030. The swift implementation of the revised Ambient Air Quality Directive will lead to immediate improvements in air quality and health benefits, including a much-needed reduction in the staggering costs associated with air pollution,” states HEAL Deputy Director Anne Stauffer.

The revised Ambient Air Quality Directive is vital to achieving the EU’s zero pollution goals, which entails goals of at least 55% reduction in premature deaths related to air pollution by 2030. Achieving clean air for everyone will require commitment from governments to swiftly and thoroughly implement the directive, and to refrain from seeking delays and exemptions in applying the new standards.

Source : The Health and Environment Alliance