This article is part of our special report How worsening air quality affects the wellbeing of respiratory disease patients.
Health and climate policy experts converged in Milan to participate at a roundtable event organised by Chiesi. The purpose of the event was to discuss the findings of a new survey, part of a report published by Economist Impact and supported by Chiesi, which focuses on how respiratory patients experience the adverse effects of poor air quality.
The report is a result of a scoping literature review and survey, recognises that climate related factors have a significant impact on lung health and calls for holistic health policy solutions. Findings reveal poor air quality can act as a barrier to activities that improve patients’ wellness: more than half of patients living in areas with poor air quality avoid outdoor exercise and social engagement.
Work and job security concerns arise due to respiratory diseases, unaffected by income disparities.