Climate change and air pollution across respiratory diseases – session one

Air pollution stands as a critical public health concern, ranking as the fourth leading risk factor for morbidity and mortality worldwide. Alarmingly, 99% of the global population resides in regions where air pollution exceeds the WHO recommended levels. Annually, seven million lives are claimed due to air pollution-related causes, exacerbating existing health disparities and disproportionately impacting marginalized communities.

Of particular concern are respiratory patients, who face heightened vulnerability to the adverse effects of air pollution. Research underscores a direct correlation between higher pollution levels and increased incidence, progression, and exacerbations of respiratory conditions.

This webinar aims to delve into the intricate relationship between air pollution, climate change and respiratory health. By elucidating the interconnectedness of these phenomena, we seek to raise awareness regarding the profound health implications of poor air quality and advocate for the implementation of stringent clean air policies across Europe. Join us as we strive to empower individuals and communities to champion the cause of clean air and safeguard public health.

Educational aims:

During this session, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted impact of air pollution on respiratory health within the context of chronic lung conditions. Specifically, we will explore:

• The interplay between air pollution, climate change, and the intensification of pollen seasons, elucidating the interconnectedness of these environmental factors and their implications for respiratory health.
• The direct and indirect effects of air pollution on chronic respiratory conditions, including exacerbations, disease progression, and overall healthcare outcomes.
• By delving into these topics, participants will not only enhance their awareness of the intricate relationship between air pollution and respiratory health but also gain valuable insights into potential strategies for mitigating these effects and improving patient care within the respiratory community.

Topics

• Climate crisis and air Pollution – Giovanni Ferrara
• Environmental Changes and health: is there a link? – MeiLan K. Han
• Clinical relevance of the new WHO air quality guidelines and how to consider exposure to low-levels of air pollution: an overview – Zorana J. Andersen

Learning objectives

• Integrate knowledge from diverse fields such as epidemiology, environmental science, and public health to understand the complex relationship between air pollution, environmental changes, and human health.
• Analyse the multifaceted impacts of air pollution and environmental changes on public health outcomes, including respiratory diseases, cardiovascular conditions, and broader health disparities.
• Evaluate current research findings and propose evidence-based strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of air pollution and environmental changes on human health, emphasising preventive healthcare measures and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Target audience

• Respiratory physicians
• Respiratory trainees
• General Practitioners
• Paediatricians
• Patients

Learning outcomes

After this webinar, participants should be able to

• Critically assess the health effects of air pollution on chronic lung conditions
• Recognise the link between to air pollution and increasing incidence of chronic respiratory conditions.
• Describe how air pollution is associated with intensified pollen seasons and subsequent airway disease exacerbations

Format

The webinar will include 45 minutes of lectures, and 15 minutes of interactive discussions with participants.

CME credit

An application for accreditation of this webinar has been made to the European Board for Accreditation in Pneumology (EBAP) for 1 CME credit per 1-hour attendance. If accredited, the CME credit will be granted upon attendance of at least 60 minutes during the live webinar only.

What is a webinar?

A webinar closely simulates a lecture-based teaching experience. The speaker can interact with the audience, just as in a classroom setting. During the webinar, you will be asked to share your opinion on issues related to the topic using interactive polls.

All participants will be able to hear the lecturer and see the slides throughout the presentation. As a participant you will be able to pose questions or discuss ideas with the other participants via the text chat facility and the speaker will respond to the questions via the microphone.

Login guidelines

More information will be communicated in due course.

• Please log in to the webinar 20 minutes before it is scheduled to commence. If you have any technical difficulties whilst trying to log in or during the session please contact e-learning@ersnet.org.
• Check Central European Time.
• To achieve the best quality, we recommend to avoid downloading anything from the internet during your connection to the lecture and stopping all other programmes.
• Please also ensure that your audio settings are not set to mute and adjust the volume to a comfortable level.