European attitudes toward air quality revealed

The European Union has recently conducted a survey to note public opinion, as well as public understanding, about the issue of air quality in Europe.

According to the EU, its key objective in relation to air quality is "to achieve levels of air quality that do not result in unacceptable impacts on, and risks to, human health and the environment."

However, if people don't understand the issue, it is unlikely that they will be able to make changes that could improve the air quality.

Specifically the survey was designed to examine the level of knowledge about air quality problems, the perceived seriousness of air quality problems and perceived changes in the quality of air over the past ten years, the perceived impact of various sectors and activities on air quality, among other air quality issues.

When asked about air quality related diseases, and how they thought this affected their country, the answers were positive, i.e. respondents were sure that problems such as respiratory diseases and illnesses, acidification and eutrophication were considered serious.

In fact, 87 per cent were aware that respiratory diseases were a serious problem in their country, while almost all (92 per cent) of Europeans considered cardiovascular diseases are a serious problem.

Asthma and allergies, which often arise from air pollution, were also considered a major problem by the majority (87 per cent) of Europeans.

Overall, 17 per cent of Europeans said that they suffer from respiratory problems.

To get the results, 25,525 European citizens aged 15 and above were interviewed by telephone.

Although the results are obviously not impressive, as so many believe that air quality is a problem, it is good news that so many are aware.

Consequently, Europeans may be more inclined to make a change, it is hoped.