Professor Francesco Forastiere, a renowned Italian environmental epidemiologist. He recently co-authored a newly published study on industrial air pollution in the EU. He is also a temporary adviser to the World Health Organization. The study was commissioned by the European Parliament’s Panel for the Future of Science and Technology.
Focusing on regions like the Ruhr area in Germany and Taranto in Italy, the study underscores the health impacts of pollutants like PM2.5 (particulate matter with diameters of 2.5 micrometers and smaller; fine inhalible particles) and NO2 (nitrogen dioxide).
According to Prof. Forastiere, surprisingly, the study highlights the generally overlooked role of intensive livestock production in contributing to air pollution and respiratory infections. These findings emphasise the urgent need for European policymakers to prioritise measures that mitigate industrial air pollution and safeguard public health.
How does this study contribute to our understanding of the health effects of industrial air pollution in the EU?
Francesco Forastiere: We were able to conduct a systematic assessment of the main polluting plants in the EU, their role in the overall burden of air pollution, and the related health effects of exposure to air pollutants.
Why did you undertake this study? What’s different about it compared to previous studies?
Francesco Forastiere:The study responded to a specific need highlighted by the Panel for the Future of Science and Technology (STOA) of the European Parliament during a crucial period of discussion and approval of two significant directives directly linked to the environment in Europe: the Ambient Air Quality Directive (AAQD) and the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED).
Given the profound implications of industrial air pollution on public health and environmental sustainability, the study aimed to address gaps in scientific understanding and provide valuable insights to inform policymaking.
While previous studies have explored similar topics on a smaller scale, this study aimed at providing a focused and thorough analysis tailored to Europe’s unique challenges and directly connected to policymaking processes within the European Parliament.
Why did you select the Ruhr area in Germany and Taranto in Italy for your research?
Francesco Forastiere: As we were looking at the impact of prolonged exposure to air pollutants on the health of EU citizens, a particular focus was dedicated to geographical areas of large industrial plants with a history of air pollution, like the Ruhr area in Germany and Taranto in Italy.
The studies conducted in the Ruhr area of Germany indicate the pervasive health effects of air pollution. These effects are not unique to the region but are common in industrial areas globally. Several measures have been undertaken to mitigate air pollution in this part of Europe. Despite these efforts, air pollution remains a significant challenge in Ruhr. Heavy industrialisation’s legacy, urbanisation, and transportation continue to contribute to air quality problems.
The health consequences faced by the population residing near the industrial area of Taranto in Italy due to air pollution, primarily stemming from a large steel plant, have been extensively investigated. The studies report a significant increase in mortality, morbidity and cancer incidence associated with atmospheric particulate matter and sulphur dioxide emitted by the plant.
Despite health risk assessments and multiple revisions of regulations, no viable solutions have emerged about the future of the steel plant, resulting in social conflict, job uncertainties, and unclear prospects for plant decarbonisation or relocation.
Which pollutants did your study focus on, and what were the main health effects observed in populations exposed to these multiple pollutants over time?
Francesco Forastiere: Industrial plants emit several toxic substances, depending on the production purposes, that include PM2.5 (fine inhalible particles), NO2 (nitrogen dioxide), SO2 (sulfur dioxide), VOCs (volatile organic compounds, emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids), heavy metals, and other chemicals.
These substances individually lead to various health issues (respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, cancers, reproductive issues, etc.). Additionally, some pollutants can bioaccumulate in the body over time, leading to more severe health complications. However, exposure to multiple pollutants simultaneously can result in synergistic effects. The combined impact of different pollutants might be more harmful than exposure to each pollutant individually. Certain groups, such as children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions, are more susceptible to the adverse effects of prolonged exposure to multiple pollutants.
What findings surprised you in the course of the research?
Francesco Forastiere: The role of intensive livestock production has been underestimated. We know that It plays a significant role in emitting ammonia, contributing to particulate air pollution. Ammonia is primarily released through animal waste and nitrogen-based fertilisers used in feed production. When emitted into the atmosphere, ammonia reacts with other pollutants, forming fine particulate matter (PM2.5) through a series of complex chemical reactions.
Livestock farming, particularly intensive operations where animals are housed in concentrated areas, tends to generate higher ammonia emissions. Managing and reducing these emissions is crucial in mitigating the formation of particulate air pollution. We were surprised to find that the literature consistently reports excess respiratory infections, particularly pneumonia, in children and adults living close to livestock plants.
What can Europe do to reduce industrial air pollution and improve our health?
Francesco Forastiere: We provided a few simple options:
- Enhance the recognition of health impacts within legislation addressing air pollution;
- Mitigate air pollution by actively reducing emissions of pollutants in Europe;
- Focus on directly lowering the concentrations of air pollutants in Europe in order to reach, as soon as possible, the air quality levels recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO AQGs), and, finally;
4. Reduce energy, transport, and livestock farming demands to mitigate their associated environmental impacts.
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