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Smog Kills More People Than Car Accidents - WHO
Motor vehicle traffic is the fastest growing source of pollution in Europe, and in some countries, more people are dying from exposure to smog than from traffic accidents, reported the World Health Organization (WHO).
The report -- released today at a conference of European officials in London -- said long-term exposure to smog in Austria, France and Switzerland has caused 21,000 premature deaths a year from respiratory and heart diseases, more than the total number of traffic deaths in those countries. The report also showed that vehicle emissions caused 300,000 cases of bronchitis in children, 162,000 asthma attacks in children, and 15,000 hospital admissions for heart disease in the three countries.
Transport-Health-Environment Conference Gets Underway
Air and water pollution, transport, sanitation and climate change "will top the agenda" at the three-day conference (Patricia Reaney, Reuters/PlanetArk, 16 Jun), which is being billed as the largest gathering ever of European health, environment and transport ministers. During the event, the ministers are expected to approve a new protocol on water and health; a charter on transportation, environment and health; and a declaration emphasizing Europe's intention to address these issues in an integrated manner
(UN Wire, 14 Jun).In opening remarks, WHO Director-General Gro Harlem Brundtland noted progress made over the last few decades, but said environmental hazards are still a significant cause of disease in Europe and worldwide
(WHO release, 16 Jun).