About: asthma

1.8 million deaths are linked to air pollution worldwide, reports find

Two studies published in Lancet underlined the negative effects of air pollution, which resulted in 1.8 million excess deaths and nearly 2 million asthma cases among children worldwide. In Europe lowering levels of pollutants did not result in better health.

A cough never killed anyone? Chronic lung diseases rank as second largest killer

The idea of a cough being fatal brings up images of coal mining, hollow-cheeked children and Charles Dickens novels. But are we really past the time when a simple cough could kill you?

Asthma patients urge EU member states to stop ignoring air quality rules

Organisations representing asthma patients have called on the EU governments to stick to their air quality commitments to protect citizens' health and public budgets.

IMI chief: ‘We need to learn how to share data in a safe and ethical manner’

Ethicists, humanists, lawyers and patients should come together to understand the risk of data in healthcare and whether patients are willing to take that risk, Pierre Meulien told EURACTIV.com.

Study: British people underestimate air pollution levels

People across the UK are underestimating the impact of the air pollution crisis in their local areas, according to a new survey. EURACTIV’s partner The Guardian reports.

EU researchers to study asthma at Olympics

A pan-European study will examine the prevalence of asthma among European athletes set to take part in the Beijing Olympics and assess the impact of the local environment and air quality on the disease.

Young children more vulnerable to air pollution, study shows

A study of more than 4,000 Dutch infants has concluded that young children who live close to busy roads are more at risk of developing respiratory diseases such as asthma.

Buzek backs more R&D on allergic diseases in FP7

Parliament's rapporteur for FP7 wants more focus on allergic diseases. Allergies have negative effects on quality of life and lead to weaker school performance and lower productivity at work.

EU ministers agree to ban chemicals in toys

The Competitiveness Council has unanimously voted in favour of a ban on certain chemicals used in toys for young children. Industry representatives have already stated they were considering legal action.

Environment and health strategy (SCALE)

Concerned about the increasing effects of environmental pollution on people's health, the Commission adopted a European strategy for Environment and Health in June 2003. One year on, it presented an Action Plan which focuses on the most vulnerable groups, particularly children. Environmental NGOs and the European green party heavily criticised it for being too weak on legislative proposals and focusing only on research.

Health & Environment: Council wants inclusion of quantifiable objectives

On 27 October, Environment Ministers will adopt conclusions on the European strategy for health and environment. The strategy is designed to tackle the problem of illnesses linked to environmental factors.

First stakeholders’ meeting on European health and environment strategy

On 11 July, the Commission will host a first stakeholders' meeting to discuss the European health and environment strategy.

Commission wants to protect children from environmental pollution

Worried about the increasing health effects of environmental pollution, the Commission adopted a Communication outlining a European strategy for Environment and Health on 11 June.