Fast Facts and Social Media Posts

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    Join over 250 FIRS members and World Lung Day partners to raise awareness of lung health for World Lung Day. Your support helps spread awareness and encourages communities and governments to invest in lung health and tackle air pollution.

    Use the posts below or write your own using these fast facts.  When posting, use the hashtag #WorldLungDay and tag us: @FIRS_LungsFirst.

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    Social media posts

    Our vision is a world where everyone has the right to Clean Air and Healthy Lungs! Join over 250 FIRS members and #WorldLungDay partners to raise awareness of lung health. Together, we can make a difference. #CleanAir #LungHealth

    We’re calling on governments to prioritize lung health—it's at the heart of decisions on air quality, tobacco control, and climate legislation. Together, let's make a difference this #WorldLungDay #LungHealth #PublicHealth#WorldLungDay

    ❓Did you know? Air pollution kills 7 m people every year. Governments must act now to protect our health. #CleanAir #WorldLungDay

    99% of the world breathes unhealthy air. Let’s work together for #LungHealth and #CleanAir #WorldLungDay

    Did you know? Tobacco use causes a staggering 8 million deaths every year. Let's work together to raise awareness and create a tobacco-free world. #TobaccoFree #WorldLungDay

    Temperature and rainfall changes are spreading vector-borne diseases. If we don't act now, deaths from these diseases, currently over 700,000 annually, will rise. #ClimateChange #WorldLungDay

    Early detection and treatment of respiratory infections are crucial for saving lives. Prioritize early intervention for #LungHealth. #RespiratoryHealth #WorldLungDay

    ❓Did you know? Chronic respiratory diseases like asthma and COPD impact nearly half a billion people globally. Let's raise awareness and support those affected. #RespiratoryHealth #Asthma #COPD #WorldLungDay

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    Clean Air Facts

    Air pollution

    • Air pollution is a leading cause of respiratory diseases, responsible for 7 million deaths annually from COPD, lung cancer and respiratory infections.
    • Toxic air affects us all, from unborn babies to older people. Air pollution exposure can reduce life expectancy, damage our lungs, increase asthma and lead to chronic respiratory diseases.
    • 99% of the global population breathes air that exceeds WHO guideline limits.
    • Low- and middle-income countries suffer from the highest exposures to air pollution.
    • 50% of the world’s population are exposed to indoor air pollution from open fires and wood-burning stoves causing up to 1.5 million premature deaths each year.

    Tobacco use

    • Tobacco use is a major cause of preventable death and disease, causing 8 million deaths annuall
    • Eliminating tobacco use and exposure to second-hand smoke is essential for improving global health.
    • Second-hand smoke is dangerous, causing 1.2 million deaths per year worldwide.

    Climate change

    • Climate change exacerbates respiratory health issues through increased air pollution, extreme weather and the spread of disease.
    • Policies that reduce fossil fuel emissions are a win-win for climate and health.
    • Temperature and rainfall changes enhance the spread of vector-borne diseases. If we don’t act, deaths from such diseases, currently over 700 000 annually, will rise.
    • Explore FIRS members resources on Climate Change and Lung Health (link)
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    Lung Health Facts

    Respiratory infections

    • Respiratory infections, such as tuberculosis (TB), bacterial pneumonia and flu are major health threats worldwide.
    • Early detection and treatment of respiratory infections are key to reducing mortality and improving health.
    • 3 million people died from TB in 2022.
    • Worldwide, TB is the second leading infectious killer after COVID-19 (above HIV and AIDS).
    • TB is present in all countries and age groups. TB is curable and preventable.

    Chronic respiratory diseases

    • Chronic respiratory diseases, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), affect nearly half a billion people worldwide.
    • Chronic respiratory diseases are often overlooked in global health discussions and lack the resources they need. It's time to change that.
    • CRDs are major causes of death and disability, with COPD being the third leading cause of death globally.
    • In 2019, 3.2 million people died from COPD and 500 000 from asthma.

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