Researchers at RCSI have been awarded funding from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to investigate the effects of air pollution on public health in Ireland.

The study, led by Professor Debbi Stanistreet head of the Department of Public Health and Epidemiology at RCSI’s School of Population Health, has received €496,467 from the EPA.

It will combine previous international findings from interventions aimed at improving air quality and human health and examine the impact of air pollution on hospital admissions and overall public wellbeing in Ireland.

Based on this research, the project will then explore effective strategies to mitigate harmful air pollution and provide recommendations for improving public health across all sectors.

Local and international evidence

Air pollution has a detrimental effect on human health and well-being, and is estimated to cause approximately 2,618 premature deaths annually on the island of Ireland. Additionally, a lack of clean air can worsen preexisting medical conditions such as asthma, heart disease, lung cancer and dementia.

In 2015 alone, air pollution was responsible for 19% of cardiovascular deaths worldwide. Minimising the impact of air pollution is vital in improving global health and reducing disease, making studies like this one all the more important.

Professor Stanistreet explained the necessity of this study: “The World Health Organization has identified air pollution as one of the greatest environmental risks to human health. The aim of this project is to bring together local and international evidence on air pollution with a specific focus on equity, and work with stakeholders to mitigate the impact of air pollution on population health in Ireland.”

The impact or air pollution

Professor Fergal O’Brien, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, RCSI, said: “This funding underscores RCSI’s commitment to research which supports the third UN Sustainable Development Goal, good health and well-being. The findings and insights that emerge through this work will enhance our understanding of the impact of air pollution on our health and I wish Professor Stanistreet and her team every success with their endeavour.”

Professor Stanistreet’s study, ‘Mitigating the Impact of Air Pollution on Health in Ireland through a Multi-pronged Approach’, was among the 25 proposals granted EPA funding for 2025.

This funding is part of an initiative to advance research on the ‘health impacts of a changing environment. The project is due to begin this March and remain ongoing until its predicted completion date in March 2028.