Air Pollution in France Linked to Thousands of Preventable Illnesses Annually

A groundbreaking study reveals the significant health and economic toll of air pollution, with long-term exposure causing tens of thousands of new cases of chronic diseases each year.

The study by Santé publique France attributes 12–20% of new respiratory illnesses in children and 7–13% of respiratory, cardiovascular, and metabolic illnesses in adults to air pollution annually.
Reducing air pollution to World Health Organization-recommended levels could prevent 75% of illnesses linked to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and 50% of those related to nitrogen dioxide (NO2).
Economic costs of air pollution in France are estimated at €16.7 billion annually, including medical expenses, lost productivity, and reduced quality of life.
Key diseases linked to pollution include asthma, lung cancer, diabetes, strokes, and heart attacks, with children, the elderly, and outdoor workers identified as particularly vulnerable groups.
Policies targeting pollution sources like traffic, wood heating, agriculture, and industry are critical, as a new EU directive aims to tighten air quality standards by 2030.