Air Pollution and Health: Santé publique France Releases New Findings

What are the latest estimates of the impact of air pollution on mortality in France? Are the health effects limited to large cities? What health benefits would result from improved air quality? Is it possible to reduce the impact of pollution on health? Are pollution spikes the most concerning for health?

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To address these questions, Santé publique France is releasing new research today on the impact of air pollution on health in metropolitan France.

Through this research, Santé publique France confirms that air pollution has significant consequences for public health in France. The findings underscore the severity of air pollution in France: it results in a loss of life expectancy that can exceed two years in the most exposed cities, and beyond major cities, affects medium-sized and small towns as well as rural areas. The findings show that implementing measures aimed at sustainably reducing air pollution would significantly improve the health and quality of life of the population. Santé publique France’s air and health monitoring program will be expanded to include the study of pollution-related diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and asthma.

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Air Quality and Health Day, June 21, 2016, organized by Santé publique France. The day’s program focused on the public health challenges posed by the impact of long-term exposure to fine particulate matter on mortality and life expectancy in mainland France. Access the oral presentations.