The indicator represents mortality due to respiratory diseases in Slovenia, between 2000 and 2019, the mortality rate due to respiratory diseases by statistical regions is presented (from 2010 onwards) and the mortality rate due to respiratory diseases in European countries (from 2013 to 2016).

Mortality due to respiratory diseases which is subject to various risk factors, including polluted indoor or outdoor air. However, identification of association is not simple. Nutrition, lifestyle and other environmental and social factors can be important and also have an influence on mortality due to respiratory diseases. Mortality due to respiratory diseases is an indicator which shows indirect assessment of exposure to adverse environmental health factors.

In Slovenia, mortality due to respiratory diseases decreased minimally in 2014–2019 (58 / 100,000) compared to 2008–2013 (61 / 100,000). Reduced mortality in 2019 was recorded in the following statistical regions: Savinjska, Pomurska, Koroška, SE Slovenia, Obalno-kraška Slovenia, Primorsko Notranjska and Gorenjska.

If we were to reduce air pollution with PM10 and / or PM2.5 particles by 5 µg / m3 and 10 µg / m3, respectively, these changes would be most reflected in Hrastnik, Zasavje and Trbovlje, which is logical, as these three regions are the most polluted by ambient air pollutants. In other regions, life expectancy would increase by around 0.3 years and mortality would decrease by an average of 3% with a decrease in PM2.5 by 5 µg / m3. Reducing PM2.5 by 10 µg / m3 would increase life expectancy by an average of 0.6 years and reduce mortality by an average of 4.5%.

Respiratory diseases represent more than 6 % of the global burden of disease and cause more deaths and disability than all malign diseases combined, representing 13 % of all hospitalisations. Respiratory diseases can be caused by risk factors such as polluted air, cramped living conditions and poor housing quality. Research has shown that long-term exposure to polluted air increases the likelihood of developing respiratory diseases, such as allergies, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer, especially in children and among the elderly (National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, 2007).

High prevalence of smoking (environmental pollution with tobacco smoke) and low vaccination rate coverage against influenza and pneumococcal infections are also important factors for mortality due to respiratory diseases. Some of the above-mentioned factors are closely related to socio-economic deprivation. In addition, poverty is related to a twenty-fold increase in relative burden of lung infections that affect very young and very old segments of populations (Steward, Sounders, Kamm, 2008). Studies carried out in European countries have shown that children from low-income families are twice as likely to be exposed to tobacco smoke than children from higher-income families (UN Regional Information Centre for Western Europe, 2010). An epidemiological study carried out in England showed that the increased hospitalisation due to respiratory diseases is closely associated with inequity (Hawker et al., 2003). Poor living conditions, including insufficient heating, poor aeration and cramped conditions, are among the main risk factors for respiratory diseases as well. Poor insulation contributes to a higher mortality rate due to respiratory diseases in winter-time (Clinch, Healy, 2000). Poor aeration and cramped conditions cause the spread of respiratory diseases, such as influenza and tuberculosis, thus increasing the burden of respiratory diseases.

Mortality due to respiratory diseases in Europe is decreasing. Such a pattern occurred in many countries with a high mortality rate, such as Ireland and England. Nevertheless, the rate in these countries remains considerably higher than in other parts of Europe. It has been established that Ireland has one of the highest winter mortality rates (Healy, 2002). Extreme weather conditions cause the aggravation of respiratory diseases, such as asthma and pneumonia, although this can also be a consequence of other factors, such as hypothermia or poor housing conditions. Mortality due to respiratory diseases is closely associated to polluted air and fine particulate matter, including sulphates, in concentrations above 74 µg/m3 (WHO, 2006). A study conducted in England showed that a 10 µg/m3 increase in sulphur dioxide in outdoor air was associated with a 102 % increase in the risk of infant deaths (Hajat, Armstrong et al, 2007). In 1999, a Council Directive relating to limit values for sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen, particulate matter and lead in ambient air was adopted (Council Directive, 1999). Consequently, a decrease in mortality rates from 62.9/100,000 inhabitants in 1999 to 53.9/100,000 inhabitants in 2001 was recorded. Although this decrease may be a result of other factors, implementation of the Directive is the most likely reason.