Personal-level actions to reduce air pollution exposure in the WHO European Region

This report summarizes evidence and information and formulates practical advice on personal-level actions to reduce exposure to ambient air pollution. It covers personal actions such as reducing the amount of time spent in polluted outdoor environments, adjusting the location and timing of physical activity, using air cleaners, wearing face coverings, and mobility options (transport, active transportation, routes, driving style and vehicle settings). Each topic is evaluated according to a uniform set of criteria, ranging from effectiveness to personal costs and social factors. Most of the evidence available to inform the advice derives from western European and North American studies. Although evidence on effectiveness and on health risks/harms can be considered applicable across settings, evidence on economic, social or feasibility factors is less so. Consequently, the applicability of the advice presented in this report should be carefully considered at national level, especially in settings outside western Europe.

Human health effects of benzene, arsenic, cadmium, nickel, lead and mercury: report of an expert consultation

Benzene, arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury and nickel are ubiquitous pollutants in ambient air. The main sources are industrial processes, electricity generation and fuel combustion. The main routes of exposure are inhalation for benzene, and diet for arsenic, cadmium, lead, nickel and mercury. Inhalation of benzene, arsenic and cadmium is relevant for exposure in active tobacco smokers and people exposed to second-hand tobacco smoke. Epidemiological studies show that exposure to these pollutants is associated with adverse effects on the cardiovascular (cadmium, lead, mercury); haematological (benzene, lead); immunological, neurological and reproductive (benzene, lead, mercury); respiratory (cadmium, nickel); renal (cadmium, lead); and skeletal (cadmium) systems. Limited epidemiological evidence on ambient air pollution suggests adverse effects on the cardiovascular system (arsenic and nickel). Since benzene, arsenic, cadmium and nickel are classified as carcinogenic, the lowest possible exposure level is suggested to minimize the risk for cancer development in view of the no-effect threshold paradigm. Lead and methylmercury compounds are classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans. However, the available evidence is insufficient to warrant updating the air quality guidelines for these air pollutants. Evidence gaps are identified and these should guide future research efforts.

Информирование о рисках, связанных с загрязнением атмосферного воздуха в Европейском регионе ВОЗ: обзор индексов качества воздуха и извлеченные уроки

В данном докладе представлен обзор индексов качества воздуха, используемых в 37 государствах-членах Европейского региона ВОЗ, а также некоторые наблюдения/предложения в отношении будущих мероприятий по улучшению информирования о риске загрязнения воздуха. В регионе информация о качестве воздуха широко доступна для населения, как онлайн, так и через официальные мобильные приложения. Информацию о прогнозируемом загрязнении воздуха часто сообщают вместе с данными мониторинга загрязнения воздуха в режиме почти реального времени. В большинстве стран используются национальные индексы качества воздуха вместо единого индекса, например, разработанного Европейским агентством по окружающей среде, а в некоторых применяется несколько различных индексов. Для расчета значений индексов используется широкий спектр подходов, но общая структура индексов схожа. Многие индексы не предусматривают строгой валидации для обеспечения соответствия значений индексов рискам для здоровья на уровне населения. Качество сопроводительной информации о здоровье варьируется в широких пределах, но во всем регионе были найдены хорошие примеры. В лучших примерах представлена информация о затронутых группах населения, описаны вероятные симптомы и даны конкретные рекомендации по снижению воздействия и рисков для здоровья. Учитывая широкий диапазон наблюдаемых концентраций загрязняющих веществ, смесей и предпочтений в отношении рисков, очень важно обеспечить специально разработанные информационные сообщения о здоровье наряду с информацией об индексных показателях. В дополнение к валидационным исследованиям на основе состояния здоровья населения, исследования должны быть направлены на понимание того, как население использует индексы качества воздуха (включая специальные предупреждения): сколько людей знают об этом индексе, регулярно ли они его изучают, изменяют ли они поведение в ответ на полученную информацию, и какие конкретные действия они предпринимают, реагируя на значения индекса и соответствующие сообщения о вреде для здоровья.

Risk communication of ambient air pollution in the WHO European Region: review of air quality indexes and lessons learned

This report provides an overview of air quality indexes used in 37 Member States of the WHO European Region and some observations/suggestions for future developments to improve risk communication on air pollution. In the Region, air quality information is widely available to the public, both online and through official mobile apps. Forecasted air pollution information is often reported alongside near real-time air pollution monitoring data. Most countries use a national Air Quality Index instead of a uniform index, such as that provided by the European Environment Agency, and some use several different indexes. A wide range of approaches are used to calculate index values, but the general structure of indexes is similar. Many indexes lack rigorous validation to ensure that index values correspond to population-level health risks. Quality of the accompanying health messaging varies widely, but good examples were found throughout the Region. The best examples provide information on the affected subpopulations, describe likely symptoms and make specific recommendations to reduce exposures and health risks. Given the wide range of pollutant concentrations, mixtures and risk preferences observed, it is critical to provide tailored health messaging to accompany index levels. In addition to health-based validation studies, research should focus on understanding how the public uses air quality indexes (including special alerts): how many people are aware of the index, whether they consult it regularly, whether they modify behaviour in response to the information, and what specific actions they take in response to index values and associated health messages.

Protecting health through ambient air quality management: a resource package for the WHO European Region

This resource package is intended to support the implementation of the WHO global air quality guidelines: particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide in Member States of the WHO European Region. It compiles the existing resources developed mainly by WHO, other United Nations organizations and international organizations that are relevant to the different stages of air quality management. It includes resources and tools for developing air quality policies, standards and plans; source apportionment; monitoring and modelling air quality; the health impacts of air pollution; emission reductions; communication and capacity-building; and training courses. The resource package is primarily aimed at policy-makers, public administrations, experts and stakeholders to facilitate the national and local uptake of the guidelines to protect humans from the adverse health effects of air pollution.