[Brussels, 15 October] The European Union took yesterday a major step towards cleaner air in Europe. The Council of the EU adopted by an overwhelming majority (26 out of 27 Member States) the revised Ambient Air Quality Directive,1 addressing the biggest environmental threat to health in Europe, directly affecting citizens of all ages and especially those living with allergy and airways diseases.
Despite improvements, air pollution still contributes to more than 300,000 premature deaths annually, including over 1,200 deaths of people under 18. It disproportionally affects patients with allergy, asthma and chronic respiratory disease (COPD), whose compromised lung health makes them more susceptible.
The new directive addresses all major air pollutants such as fine particulate matter (PM2,5), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2), and ozone (O3), which cause significant health impacts and deaths in the Union.
EFA President, Marcia Podestà declared: ‘Every asthma and COPD patient in the EU can now hold high this new legislation that unequivocally recognises the severe impact air pollution has on their lives, and which will increase protection against its harmful effects. EFA Community now calls on the EU to remain vigilant and support the implementation of this live-saving legislation, ensuring healthy air, better public information on air quality and access to justice and compensation. We stand ready to support the implementation of stricter air pollution levels at national level without delay and with patients at the centre.'
New directive strengthens the EU’s legal framework to tackle air pollution
The EU’s decision brings to a close a delicate revision process that began in 2017, gathering scientific and clinical data on the effects of air pollution on health. EFA has been deeply engaged in the process as a key stakeholder, providing input into numerous consultations to help define the level of ambition the EU should aim for regarding air quality.2
The revised Directive brings forward new legally binding elements that will shape the impact of air pollution as a risk factor for allergy and respiratory disease:
1) Reduced limit values for all main air pollutants. While the new EU limits do not meet the WHO Air Quality Guidelines recommendations of 2021, the reduction in the levels of human exposure to pollution will contribute to lowering pollutant concentrations across the EU.
2) Regular legislative reviews: A review mechanism will ensure that the Directive is updated in line with the latest scientific evidence on pollutants and their effects on health, and the WHO Guidelines. The first review is planned by 2030, with subsequent reviews every five years.
3) Improved public information on air quality: this Directive obliges Member States to establish air quality indices, offering hourly updates and health-related information targeting the most vulnerable populations.
4) Access to justice and compensation for health damage due to air pollution: these brand new legislative provisions, aim at enabling affected citizens, patients and groups representing their interests to reflect their burden and demand action and compensation as a result of violations against limited air pollution exceedances.
With the new Directive in place Europe is set to take stronger action in reducing air pollution and protecting public health. The new air pollution limit values will need to be enforced in two years.
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About EFA
The European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases Patients’ Associations (EFA) is the voice of the 200 million people living with allergy, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Europe. We bring together 45 national associations from 26 countries and channel their knowledge and demands to European institutions. We connect European stakeholders to ignite change and bridge the policy gaps on allergy and airways diseases so that patients live uncompromised lives, have the right and access to the best quality care and a safe environment. Learn more at efanet.org.
1. The Council adoption brings closure to a lengthy process of evaluation and revision, which began with assessment of earlier frameworks (Directives 2004/107/EC and 2008/50/EC). The final text can be accessed through this link.
2. Council of the EU | Press release | Air quality: Council gives final green light to strengthen standards in the EU
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