Exposure to ambient air pollution is not just an environmental issue—it directly impacts our health and economy. The latest study by Santé Publique France, published on January 29, 2025, reveals alarming figures across mainland France:
🔹 Up to 40,000 new cases of childhood asthma each year are attributable to fine particles and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂).
🔹 Between 4,000 and 78,000 cases of chronic diseases (stroke, diabetes, respiratory illnesses) could be prevented by reducing these pollutants.
🔹 12 to 20% of respiratory diseases in children and 7 to 13% of chronic diseases in adults are linked to air pollution.
🔹 A staggering economic cost estimated at €12.9 billion per year for PM2.5—nearly €200 per inhabitant—and €3.8 billion for NO₂.
Solutions exist!
Reducing pollution levels to the thresholds recommended by the WHO would prevent 75% of diseases related to fine particles and 50% of those related to NO2. This would result in a gain of €9.6 billion per year.
At Ellona, we are taking action to tackle this challenge by developing real-time air quality monitoring solutions and providing accurate data to help local authorities, industries, and health stakeholders take concrete actions.
Measure, IDENTIFY, understand, act: it’s the key to cleaner air and better health for everyone.
📢 And you? What actions are you taking to improve air quality?