Prof. Dr. Tevfik Özlü: “Air pollution increases the risk of lung and heart diseases, cancer, stroke and many other diseases”

Medical Park Karadeniz Hospital Chest Diseases Specialist Prof. Dr. Tevfik Özlü said that a fair and equitable transition from fossil fuels such as coal and oil to clean renewable energy is necessary to protect the freedom to breathe clean air.

Stating that air pollution increases the risk of lung and heart diseases, cancer, stroke and many other diseases, Prof. Dr. Tevfik Özlü said, “September 7 is the International Day for Clean Air for Blue Skies. This year's theme is 'Together for Clean Air'. Breathing clean air is the most natural need and right of everyone and all living things. We breathe the same air as all living things. We have no right to pollute it and we should not allow it to be polluted. Air pollution is defined as the presence of chemical, physical or biological pollutants in the air that disrupt the natural composition of the atmosphere. Air pollution also leads to climate change and loss of nature and biodiversity. Air pollution increases the risk of lung and heart diseases, cancer, stroke and many other diseases. It causes the death of 6-7 million people annually. 99 percent of the world's population breathes polluted air. The situation is much worse in low- and middle-income countries. Air pollution can take the form of outdoor and indoor pollution. Indoors, fossil fuels for heating, cooking and lighting; outdoors, industrial plants, forest fires, cars and airplanes are the most common sources of air pollution. The most common pollutants are carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide. To protect our freedom to breathe clean air, we must make a fair and equitable transition from fossil fuels such as coal and oil to clean renewable energy. In addition to individual sensitivity and the right choices; projects that reduce the pollution emissions of the industry should be supported.”