About this cluster
The Cluster on the Role of Environmental Pollution in Non-Communicable Diseases (also known as EXPOHEALTHNET) was launched in 2025 (with €57 million in EU funding) and is composed of 7 projects selected under call HORIZON-HLTH-2024-ENVHLTH-02-two-stage of Horizon Europe:
The cluster is expected to continue its activities until 2029 and deliver evidence on the role of air pollution, noise, hazardous waste and climate change in non-communicable diseases, informing much needed changes in public health policy to protect people and the environment.
Background
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular illnesses, respiratory conditions and cancers are increasingly linked to environmental pollutants such as air and noise pollution, hazardous chemicals and other kinds of hazardous waste. Recognizing this, the EU has implemented a series of policies and regulations aimed at mitigating these environmental risks to public health.
A cornerstone of the EU's environmental health strategy is the Zero Pollution Action Plan, a key part of the European Green Deal. This plan emphasises the importance of reducing pollution at its source and integrating pollution prevention into all relevant EU policies, including in those on public health. The Action Plan has also led to updated standards addressing water and air quality, industrial emissions and chemical usage. These new standards aim to enhance transparency and ensure that the financial burden of pollution mitigation does not disproportionately fall on citizens.
The updated standards are designed to be progressively implemented over the coming decades, promising substantial health benefits. For instance, the new air pollution standards are projected to significantly reduce premature deaths and the incidence of diseases such as stroke and cancer. Besides the Zero Pollution Action Plan, the EU has also taken decisive action on air pollution through the Ambient Air Quality Directive and the Clean Air Package.
In terms of chemicals, the REACH regulation addresses the production and use of chemical substances and their potential impacts on human health and the environment. REACH entered into force in 2007 and has since had several revisions, with the purpose of simplifying and clarifying the rules around pollution from different hazardous substances.
Addressing noise pollution, the Environmental Noise Directive requires EU Member States to assess and manage environmental noise through strategic noise mapping and action plans to address noise pollution. The directive aims to protect human health by reducing harmful exposure to environmental noise, which has been linked to various health issues, including cardiovascular diseases and sleep disturbances.
Through these comprehensive policies and regulations, the EU continues to address the multifaceted challenges posed by environmental pollution, an effort which now benefits from the support and input of the EXPOHEALTHNET cluster. Like this, the EU strives to create a healthier environment and reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases among its population.