Strasbourg doctors sign platform to declare air quality in European capital – France Bleu

Air pollution in Strasbourg is highlighted. Around twenty doctors, who work in the city, signed a platform this Monday, October 14 to denounce the bad air quality in the European capital.

The problem of wood heating

There is air pollution in Strasbourg problem raised almost ten years ago. In fact, in 2015, around sixty doctors were already asking the public authorities to take strict measures against this air quality. Today, professionals point to the same thing, starting with the amount of fine particle pollution caused by wood heating.

Wood heating, even if it pollutes less than a fireplace, represents in the Eurometropolis more than 70% of fine particle emissions. “Wood particles are highly carcinogenic. So are heavy metals and endocrine disruptors,” explains Thomas Bourdrel, cardiologist and creator of the Strasbourg Respire collection. Like his colleagues, he wants wood heating to be strictly prohibited in Strasbourg.

Adverse health effects

Fine particulate pollution worries doctors. “Our commitment and primary responsibility as caregivers and citizens remains to promote better health for all. “we can read in the tribune. However, these fine particles can have a negative impact on health. “It is lung cancer for people who do not smoke after several decades or even cardiovascular diseases”.

Dr. Thomas Bourdrel states that he has placed filters everywhere, on vehicles or factory chimneys, “The grains are getting finer and finer”. Therefore, “Our body is less able to stop them”.

Any expectations?

At the end of the forum, the Strasbourg doctors will also share theirs impatience with continued development of the tram networkespecially towards the North (Strasbourg, Schiltigheim and Bischheim). “The development of other solutions such as the tramway and safe cycle paths will bring health benefits, both in terms of physical and psychological health.”.