Consultant Respiratory Physician speaks out on World Lung Day

From: Professor Marcus Kennedy, president, Irish Thoracic Society

Oxygen. It gives us life. The quality of the air that we breathe plays a crucial role in maintaining our lung health and preventing a multitude of respiratory conditions.

As we approach World Lung Day on Wednesday 25 September, it is important to reflect on the latest figures that highlight the severity of lung health issues in our society.  

Nearly 2,700 people are diagnosed with lung cancer each year. An estimated 380,000 people are living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Additionally, around 450,000 people are living with doctor-diagnosed asthma.

Exposure to air pollution is responsible for some 1,400 premature deaths annually in Ireland, more than seven times the number of people who died on our roads in 2023.

Against this concerning backdrop, the Irish Thoracic Society, Ireland’s national body representing health professionals in respiratory care, is highlighting the importance of breathing clean air.

I would encourage everyone to ensure their homes are well-ventilated, especially after cooking, vacuuming or cleaning. If you are inhaling dusts, gases or fumes at work, think about how this can be reduced or eliminated.

Equally, it’s important to exercise daily, but ideally away from traffic pollution. I would also encourage exploring alternatives to driving to work, such as public transport or car-sharing, if at all possible.

For those who smoke, the most important step that you can take to breathe clean air is to quit. With at least 250 carcinogenic or toxic chemicals, you will also be cleaning up the air for people around you who don’t smoke and who would otherwise be affected by second-hand smoke.

Finally, it is important to be vigilant about symptoms such as a persistent cough for three months or longer, shortness of breath and wheeze, and recurrent chest infection. 

I would encourage you to make an appointment to visit your GP if you are experiencing these symptoms. By taking proactive steps to ensure the air that we breathe is as clean as possible, we can protect our lungs and overall health.