Lorraine Williamson
Air pollution in Spain results in approximately 62,000 emergency hospital admissions each year, incurring an estimated cost of €850 million.
This finding comes from a study conducted by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII) in collaboration with several universities.
Primary pollutants and health impacts
The research identifies tropospheric ozone (O₃) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) as significant contributors to these hospitalisations. These pollutants are primarily produced by industrial activities and vehicular emissions. Notably, the number of admissions attributed to these pollutants is 11 times higher than those resulting from extreme temperature events, such as heat waves and cold spells.
Regional variations
The study highlights regional disparities in pollution-related hospital admissions:
-
Valencian community: Tropospheric ozone is responsible for approximately 7,500 admissions annually.
-
Madrid: Nitrogen dioxide accounts for around 8,200 admissions each year.
-
Catalonia: Approximately 6,300 annual admissions are linked to nitrogen dioxide exposure.
Impact of extreme temperatures
In contrast, extreme temperatures contribute to about 5,300 hospital admissions annually across Spain:
-
Heat waves: Approximately 1,200 admissions.
-
Cold spells: Around 4,100 admissions.
While these figures are significant, they are markedly lower than those associated with air pollution.
Recommendations for mitigation
The researchers emphasise the necessity of implementing effective measures to combat air pollution. This includes national and regional initiatives aimed at reducing emissions of harmful gases and improving overall air quality. Additionally, prevention plans addressing both pollution and extreme temperatures are crucial to safeguarding public health.
Implementing short-term measures, such as reducing pollutant emissions and enhancing air quality, can help mitigate the impact of pollution episodes. Furthermore, integrating air pollution considerations into existing heat and cold wave action plans can contribute to a reduction in hospital admissions.
Air pollution poses a substantial public health challenge in Spain, leading to significant hospital admissions and economic costs. Addressing this issue requires coordinated efforts to reduce emissions, improve air quality, and implement comprehensive prevention strategies.