How do environmental factors contribute to cardiovascular disease in Europe? – Euronews.com

Environmental Impact on Cardiovascular Health in the European Union: A Sustainable Development Goals Perspective

Introduction: Aligning Health Outcomes with SDG 3

A report from the European Environment Agency (EEA) indicates that environmental improvements could prevent one in five (approximately 18%) of all cardiovascular disease (CVD) deaths in the European Union. This finding directly impacts the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), particularly Target 3.4, which aims to reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases.

• Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in the EU, accounting for over 1.7 million deaths in 2022, or one-third of all deaths.
• The economic burden of CVD on the EU exceeds €282 billion annually due to factors like decreased productivity and economic output.
• Environmental risk factors, in addition to personal characteristics, are identified as significant contributors to the prevalence of CVD.

Key Environmental Stressors and Their Health Consequences

Several environmental factors are linked to cardiovascular mortality, highlighting the need for integrated action across multiple SDGs.

1. Air Pollution: A critical challenge for SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy). Air pollution is responsible for approximately 8% of all CVD deaths in the EU. Key pollutants include:
   • Fine particulate matter (from vehicle emissions, industrial processes, fossil fuels)
   • Nitrogen dioxide
   • Ozone
2. Noise Pollution: An urban environmental issue impacting SDG 11. An estimated 66,000 premature deaths annually in the EU are attributed to transport noise, with over 30% of these linked to cardiovascular causes.
3. Extreme Temperatures and Chemicals: These factors underscore the connection between public health and broader goals such as SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Regional Disparities and Progress Towards SDG Targets

Significant disparities exist among EU member states regarding the environmental burden on cardiovascular health, indicating an uneven progression towards health and environmental SDGs.

Share of CVD Deaths Linked to Environmental Risks

• Highest Shares:
  1. Bulgaria (23.98%)
  2. Poland (23.69%)
• Lowest Shares:
  1. Finland (9.72%)
  2. Sweden (10.01%)

Premature Deaths Due to Fine Particulate Matter Exposure (2022)

• Highest Rates:
  1. Poland (82.32%)
  2. Ireland (81.83%)
• Lowest Rates:
  1. Finland (5.48%)
  2. Estonia (11.21%)

Policy Implications and the Path Forward for Sustainable Development

While existing EU policies and regulations have successfully reduced air pollution and related premature deaths, significant challenges remain in achieving comprehensive environmental health and sustainability goals. Despite progress, 95% of EU residents, particularly in urban areas, are still exposed to unsafe levels of pollution. Addressing these environmental determinants is essential for making substantial progress on SDG 3 and SDG 11, requiring reinforced, cross-sectoral policies that integrate health, environmental, and economic objectives.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article’s central theme is cardiovascular disease, the most common cause of death in the EU. It discusses the high mortality rate (“more than 1.7 million people died from it” in 2022), its contribution to disability and reduced life expectancy, and the role of environmental factors in causing these health issues. This directly aligns with the goal of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The article explicitly links environmental health risks to urban living. It states that “95% of EU residents, particularly those in urban areas, are still exposed to unsafe pollution levels.” It also identifies sources of pollution common in cities, such as “vehicle emissions, industrial processes,” and “transport noise exposure,” connecting the quality of life in cities to public health outcomes.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The economic impact of cardiovascular disease is highlighted, noting that it costs the EU “over €282 billion annually due to decreased productivity and economic output.” The article also mentions that the disease contributes to “early retirement, and absenteeism,” which directly impacts economic productivity and sustainable growth.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
   • The article focuses entirely on cardiovascular disease, a primary non-communicable disease. It quantifies the mortality (“one-third of all deaths within the bloc”) and discusses preventable deaths, stating that “One in five cardiovascular deaths in the EU could be prevented by improving the environment.” This directly relates to the target of reducing premature mortality through prevention.
2. Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.
   • The article provides specific data on this target, attributing “at least 18% of all cardiovascular disease deaths” to environmental factors like “air pollution, extreme temperatures, and chemicals.” It further specifies that “Air pollution causes around 8% of cardiovascular deaths” and that pollutants like “fine particulate,” “nitrogen dioxide and ozone” are key contributors.
3. Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
   • This target is addressed by the article’s finding that “95% of EU residents, particularly those in urban areas, are still exposed to unsafe pollution levels.” The mention of “transport noise exposure” causing 66,000 premature deaths annually is another specific environmental impact of cities that the article highlights.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Mortality rate from cardiovascular disease: The article states that cardiovascular disease accounted for “one-third of all deaths within the bloc” in 2022. This serves as a direct indicator for the burden of non-communicable diseases (Target 3.4).
2. Number of deaths attributable to environmental pollution: The article provides several specific metrics that can be used as indicators for Target 3.9.
   • The percentage of cardiovascular deaths linked to environmental risks (overall “at least 18%”, with country-specific data like “Poland (23.69%)” and “Finland… 9.72%”).
   • The number of premature deaths attributable to specific pollutants, such as the “rates of premature deaths due to exposure to fine particulate matter.”
   • The number of premature deaths from transport noise (“around 66,000 premature deaths annually in the EU”).
3. Proportion of urban population exposed to high levels of air pollution: The statement that “95% of EU residents, particularly those in urban areas, are still exposed to unsafe pollution levels” is a direct indicator for measuring the environmental impact of cities on human health (Target 11.6).

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: euronews.com