Latest News Roundup

September

We started September off with some hot weather across Europe and beyond, causing wildfires, smoke pollution and serious impact on our health.

There was good news for Ireland but we still have a long way to go in Europe to meet WHO guidelines.

Air pollution was linked to several more serious health conditions, with a particular focus again on our children.

New York hosted Climate Week, and World Suicide Prevention Day highlighted the impact of air pollution on mental health.

Key takeaway points this month:

• Irish air quality met EU guidelines Irish air quality limits in 2022 but not WHO guidelines
• But 98% of people in Europe face air pollution above limits recommended by WHO so they are not alone
• Our children are seriously impacted by air pollution, with studies finding it causes asthma related hospital visits and smaller birth weight/pre-term birth
• There is a link between long-term PM2.5 exposure and mental health problems including depression and the risk of suicide
• Climate change is increasing the intensity and frequency of heatwaves, causing measurable impact on air quality, human health and the environment

Read the full articles:

Irish air quality: https://www.epa.ie/environment-and-you/air/

Europe air quality: https://www.dw.com/en/air-pollution-nearly-everyone-in-europe-breathing-bad-air/a-66657048

Air pollution and our children: https://www.standard.co.uk/news/health/asthma-london-children-air-pollution-hospital-figures-b1104598.html

https://www.nationalworld.com/health/air-pollution-linked-women-cities-smaller-babies-4285818

Air pollution and suicide risk: https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/10.1289/EHP4595

Heatwaves: https://public.wmo.int/en/media/press-release/wmo-bulletin-heatwaves-worsen-air-quality-and-pollution

Climate Week: https://www.climateweeknyc.org/