Meeting WHO air pollution guidelines could save 238,000 lives a year in Europe

Approximately 238,000 air pollution deaths could be avoided annually in the EU if WHO guidelines were met, with over 400,000 deaths preventable if particle pollution was eliminated, the Guardian reported.

The EU Council approved new clean air legislation for 2030 and beyond. A recent study spanning 41 EU countries has estimated the potential benefits of reducing air pollution from traffic and home heating as EU countries strive to meet the new legal limits.

Based on the findings, a 20% drop in road traffic pollution could save 7,000 lives yearly in Europe, while a similar decrease in home heating pollution could prevent 13,000 deaths.

The study highlights the potential health benefits of reducing air pollution from traffic and home heating.