Health professionals warn of worsening public health from air pollution

A coalition of medical professionals, ISGlobal, and neighbourhood groups such as Revolta Escolar and Eixample Respira have raised alarms about the impact of air pollution on public health, urging lawmakers to take immediate and decisive action.

In an open letter, they link poor air quality to increased risks of heart attacks, asthma, chronic bronchitis, certain cancers, and mental health issues, estimating that air pollution causes over 3,000 deaths annually in Catalonia.

The letter emphasizes the need for strict, ambitious policies to tackle pollution, aligning with the EU’s 2030 air quality targets. Key measures include reducing emissions from transport, industry, agriculture, and biomass burning, as well as expanding green spaces.

Experts stress the importance of tailoring strategies to local conditions — for instance, addressing traffic-related pollution in metropolitan Barcelona or the effects of biomass burning in rural areas like Vic.

Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable, with research linking air pollution to developmental delays, impaired cognitive function, and higher risks of chronic diseases.

Long-term exposure to particulate matter has also been associated with increased rates of lung, kidney, bladder, and colorectal cancers, as well as mental health disorders like anxiety and depression.

The initiative, endorsed by nearly 250 individuals from hospitals and organizations, aims to bring public health to the forefront of environmental policy.

"This is not just about climate action; it’s about protecting lives," the letter underscores.