Climate Change has Extra Risk for Lung Patients

According to an expert analysis published in the European Respiratory Journal, people with lung disorders such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) face even greater risks from climate change.

The paper assembles evidence on how climate change consequences, such as heat waves, wildfires, and flooding, may increase breathing difficulties for millions of people worldwide, particularly newborns, young children, and the elderly.

The authors are urging the European Parliament and governments around the world to cut greenhouse gas emissions and minimize the impacts of climate change on behalf of the European Respiratory Society, which represents over 30,000 lung specialists from 160 countries.

Professor Zorana Jovanovic Andersen, Chair of the European Respiratory Society’s Environment and Health Committee and based at the University of Copenhagen, was an author of the report, “Climate change and respiratory health: a European Respiratory Society position statement.”

She said, “Climate change affects everyone’s health, but arguably, respiratory patients are among the most vulnerable. These are people who already experience breathing difficulties and they are far more sensitive to our changing climate. Their symptoms will become worse, and for some this will be fatal.

“Air pollution is already damaging our lungs. Now the effects of climate change are becoming a major threat to respiratory patients.”

These effects include increased temperatures and an increase in airborne allergens such as pollen, according to the paper. They also include more frequent extreme weather events like heat waves, droughts, and wildfires, which cause excessive air pollution and dust storms, as well as heavy rains and flooding, which causes greater humidity and mold in the home.

The paper emphasizes the increased risk to newborns and youngsters, whose lungs are still maturing.

This year has seen new high temperature records established all around the world, and Europe has had heat waves, terrible wildfires, rainstorms, and flooding.

“As respiratory doctors and nurses, we need to be aware of these new risks and do all we can to help alleviate patients’ suffering,” Professor Jovanovic Andersen said. We also need to explain the risks to our patients so they can protect themselves from adverse effects of climate change.

Existing European Union (EU) air quality standards are significantly higher than those outlined in the World Health Organization (WHO) Air Quality Guidelines (25 micrograms per cubic meter for fine particles [PM2.5] and 40 micrograms per cubic meter for nitrogen dioxide in the EU versus 5 micrograms per cubic meter for PM2.5 and 10 micrograms per cubic meter in the WHO guidelines). The EU, on the other hand, is now rewriting its Ambient Air Quality Directive.

Professor Jovanovic Andersen said, “The current limits are outdated and fail to protect the health of EU citizens. Ambitious new air quality standards would ensure cleaner air and better health for all Europeans, as well as helping to mitigate climate change crises. We urge the European Parliament to adopt and enforce safer limits without delay.

“We all need to breath clean, safe air. That means we need action from policy makers to mitigate impacts of climate change on our planet and our health.”

The European Respiratory Society (ERS) has created its own sustainability strategy, which includes efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. For example, the ERS began measuring its carbon emissions in 2022 to give a baseline for future development. The ERS is also integrating its strategies and policies with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.

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