Researchers at Mutualites Libres analyzed the impact of low emission zones in Belgium, finding they significantly reduce air pollution and improve public health. Their study involved 420,000 members and showed that areas with low emission zones in Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent had a faster decrease in nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter. Notably, the increase in diabetes medication use was slower in Brussels compared to other cities. Overall, low emission zones provide substantial long-term health benefits that outweigh implementation challenges, reinforcing the necessity of cleaner air for future generations.
The chronic use of medicines for diabetes, cardiac and breathing problems surged over the 10 years of our study, with almost twofold increases.
Air pollution contributes to this increase. It has an important impact on public health, but also on health costs.
The benefits of these zones far outweigh the inconveniences of their implementation, especially if it leads to clean air for your children and grandchildren.
The European Environment Agency estimates that the greatest health impact from nitrogen dioxide comes from increases in diabetes mellitus.
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