World village session
Environmental Health and Inequalities in Respiratory Health
Speakers
Hanna Haveri, MD, PhD – Neurologist and Planetary Health Physician (Nature Step, Finland)
Liz Grant, PhD – Assistant Principal and Professor of Global Health and Development (University of Edinburgh)
Respiratory Health Impacts
Exposure to environmental hazards is closely linked to an increased risk of respiratory diseases. Conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, and reduced lung function are frequently associated with environmental exposures. Vulnerable populations—including children, the elderly, low-income individuals, and racial minorities—are at greater risk for these respiratory health issues.1,2
Socioeconomic Disparities in Respiratory Health
Despite notable improvements in air quality over recent decades, disparities in respiratory health outcomes based on income and education have persisted, and in some cases, worsened over the last 60 years. Lower-income groups consistently experience higher rates of asthma, COPD, and respiratory infections.3 Additionally, poorer communities are often situated closer to pollution sources, further exacerbating health risks.2 Exposure to PM₂.₅ (Particulate Matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less) is higher for racial minorities across all income levels.4 Exposure to air pollution links strongly to respiratory illness, especially in marginalized groups.
Environmental health inequalities – Definition:
Unequal exposure to environmental risks across social groups.
Magnitude:
Disadvantaged populations may face 5–10 times higher exposure to environmental hazards.5 People of color are much more likely to live in areas with poor air quality.2
Drivers:
Socioeconomic deprivation (poverty, low income); Poor housing, fuel poverty, lack of green space.
Data tools, example:
- Environmental Justice Index (EJI): Ranks communities in USA based on cumulative environmental and health burdens
Aiming for environmental justice
It is essential to recognize the influence of environmental and socioeconomic factors on patient health. Improved understanding these drivers and their impact on respiratory diseases will help set targeted interventions and policies that address the root causes of health inequalities. Initiatives by WHO and EU aiming to reduce the environmental injustice includes the WHO Air Quality Guidelines (2021)6 which sets stricter pollutant limits and EU’s revised Ambient Air Quality Directive aims for 55% reduction in premature deaths by 2030.1 The Urban Health Initiative is an implementation framework set fort by WHO for local strategies to improve urban planning: more green spaces, improved housing and transport Community-based interventions.7
A call for action
Where possible, use monitoring tools/data sets to cast light on health disparities. Increase community engagement: empower affected groups to be included in decision-making. Policies must prioritize vulnerable populations to improve equity in health. Addressing health inequities also has the best potential to bring the greatest health benefits.
Oddvar Haugen
Regional Market Access Manager Norway
References
- European Environment Agency . “Ηow Air Pollution Affects Our Health.” European Environment Agency, 3 Dec. 2024.
- Center for Sustainable Systems, University of Michigan. 2025. “U.S. Environmental Justice Factsheet.” Pub. No. CSS17-16.
- Gaffney AW, Himmelstein DU, Christiani DC, Woolhandler S. Socioeconomic Inequality in Respiratory Health in the US From 1959 to 2018. JAMA Intern Med. 2021;181(7):968–976. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2021.2441
- Tessum CW, Paolella DA, Chambliss SE, Apte JS, Hill JD, Marshall JD. PM2.5 polluters disproportionately and systemically affect people of color in the United States. Sci Adv. 2021;7(18):eabf4491. Published 2021 Apr 28. doi:10.1126/sciadv.abf4491
- World Health Organization. “Environmental Health Inequalities.” Www.who.int, 18 July 2023, www.who.int/europe/news-room/fact-sheets/item/environmental-health-inequalities.
- World Health Organization. WHO Global Air Quality Guidelines. Geneva Who, 2021.
- World Health Organization (WHO). Urban Health Initiative. Retrieved 24 oktober 2025 from https://www.who.int/initiatives/urban-health-initiative.
ID 17445-28.10.2025