Europeans exposed to poor air quality: EU watchdog

Europe’s environment watchdog says poor air quality is affecting more than 90 percent of the urban population in the European Union, posing health problems to the bloc’s citizens.

According to a report published by the European Environment Agency (EEA) on Tuesday, particle pollution and ground-level ozone are linked with breathing problems, cardiovascular disease and shortened lifespan in the EU. 

"Large parts of the population do not live in a healthy environment, according to current standards. To get on to a sustainable path, Europe will have to be ambitious and go beyond current legislation," said EEA Director Hans Bruyninckx, in a statement.

The report also said that between 2009 and 2011 up to 96 percent of city dwellers were exposed to concentrations of fine particulate matters that exceeded the World Health Organization’s (WHO) standards. 

In addition, 98 percent of urban people were affected by ozone levels above standards. 

The agency defined particle pollution as a mixture of tiny particles and liquid droplets of several components including acids, metals, soil or dust particles, which mainly originate from burning of biomass and coal. 

The report also announced transboundary pollution as another challenge to the bloc’s environmental health. 

The transboundary pollution, which is air pollutants that can be transported over long distances, affects ecosystems as it harms biodiversity through reducing vegetation growth and crop yields.

Meanwhile, a separate study published by The Lancet Respiratory Medicine Journal on the same day reported a link between low birth-weight and exposure to air pollution. 

The report added that a substantial proportion of low birth-weight cases “could be prevented in Europe if urban air pollution was reduced.” 

Under current EU legislation, the annual mean limit on fine particle matter is set at a level twice as high than that outlined by the health organization. 

The WHO recommends 10 micrograms per cubic meter for particles measuring 2.5 microns (PM2.5) or less. 

(PRESSTV CAH/PR)