Air pollution still causes the premature death of at least 1,200 children and adolescents in Europe every year, according to a report by the European Environment Agency. Pollution is the main environmental risk to the health of miners and reduces their life expectancy.
The European Union was on track to meet its target of reducing premature deaths by more than 50% in 2030 compared to 2005. According to the WHO, air pollution is responsible for seven million premature deaths per year worldwide, a toll close to that caused by smoking or poor diet.