32 | STATE GENERAL LABORATORY ATMOSPHERIC AIR Quality of outdoor air y Chemical control [metals (aluminium, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, sodium, zinc, vanadium, chromium, manganese, nickel, copper, arsenic, cadmium, lead), anions (chlorides, nitrates, sulphates), cations (sodium, ammonium, potassium, magnesium, calcium), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) (benzo(α)anthracene, benzo(b) fluoranthene, benzo(k)fluoranthene, benzo(α)pyrene, dibenzo(a,h) anthracene, benzo(g,h,i) perylene, indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene)]. y Radioactivity levels (gamma radionuclides such as Am-241, Co-60, Cs-137, Cs-134, Ru-106, Be-7, gross β-activity, gross alpha activity). 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 Number of lters Air lters high volume(gamma radionuclides) Air lters low volume(total α and beta activity) 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Chart 8: Radionuclides in the atmosphere (2010-2022) ENVIRONMENT AND HEALTH According to the World Health Organization (WHO), many diseases are associated with human exposure to environmental factors, such as toxic chemicals in the food chain, the environment and consumer products. These diseases are often chronic (e.g. cancer, allergies, asthma, neuro-developmental abnormalities, disorders of the reproductive system) and influence healthy ageing. In addition, the fiscal constraints of the European countries, socioeconomic inequalities, gender inequalities, extreme climatic events, the increase of non-communicable diseases, the ageing of the population and the unprecedented migration between and within countries, exacerbate these factors. There is therefore an urgent need to continue and strengthen efforts to address environmental factors that affect health. Recognising that the study of the relationship between environment and health can lead to better public health policy and the prevention of diseases, the SGL implemented several actions in response to commitments arising from European, international and national strategies and action plans, as well as from other national priorities.
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