Following the Clean Air in Europe for All Conference in Brussels earlier this year and in line with the continuing conversation surrounding air pollution, climate change and health, we spoke to three European experts about the importance of aligning the EU Ambient Air Quality Directive (AAQD) with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines relating to air quality.

Want to learn more from the experts? Join our World Lung Day advocacy panel discussion.

18:00-19:00 CEST

25 September, 2023

Online

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Prof. Barbara Hoffman, ERS Advocacy Council Chair Elect

Professor Dr Barbara Hoffman details the health argument for tighter rules relating to air pollution in Europe in alignment with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.

Professor Dr Hoffmann also explains about the burden of disease in Europe and how tougher restrictions will help, as well as the importance of following scientific recommendations to clean up our air.

Professor Dr Annette Peters, Director of the Institute of Epidemiology at the Helmholtz Zentrum München

Professor Dr Annette Peters details the health effects of air pollution and explains what people, communities and respiratory health professionals can do to combat its impact.

She also highlights the importance of data in demonstrating changes in the levels and effects of air pollution, and underlines the importance of aligning EU standards with those set by the World Health Organization (WHO). 

Mark J Nieuwenhuijsen PHD, Director of the Urban Planning, Environment and Health Initiative at ISGlobal

Mark J Nieuwenhuijsen PHD analyses how the proposed EU Ambient Air Quality Directive should be more ambitious and align with much stricter World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.

He also discusses the impact of air pollution on respiratory patients and the healthcare sector, as well as what needs to change in future.

Clean Air in Europe for All - highlights video