Tackling Air Pollution Should Be Part Of War On Cancer Rates: Scientists [1]
"New European Code Against Cancer calls on politicians to phase out use of fossil fuels in homes"
"Cutting air pollution should form part of government strategies to reduce cancer rates, the European Code Against Cancer has recommended.
The code previously focused on advice to help people to reduce the air pollution that they breathe. But, for the first time since its launch in 1987, it has given clear direction to governments.
Dr Sylvia Jochems, from Utrecht University in the Netherlands who is part of the expert team that devised the code, said: “Policymakers should aim to meet the World Health Organization (WHO) global air quality guidelines for outdoor air pollution without delay, while also reducing indoor air pollution and supporting climate goals. The key message is that this needs action at EU, national and local level.”
Tobacco smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer but, across Europe, 28,000 cases a year can also be attributed to particle pollution. It is estimated that lung cancer deaths would be reduced by more than 10% by meeting WHO guidelines for air pollution."