As part of the Social Marketing for One Health project, the Italian Social Marketing Association is collaborating with the International Society of Doctors for the Environment and, based on the “Cambiamo Aria” (Let’s Change the Air) research, will participate in the Bologna Health Festival with Environment and health in 100 seconds. Special 2026 – “Cambiamo aria” (Let’s change the air)

This column aims to provide a summary of the effects of air pollution on health, based on the ISDE study “Cambiamo aria”. In twelve 100-second interviews, the regulatory and epidemiological aspects of the problem will be addressed in sequence, along with the impact on the cardiovascular, respiratory and endocrine systems, the consequences for children’s health and, in conclusion, the solutions already in place and under development in Emilia-Romagna, within the scope of the “Cambiamo aria” project.

Episode 1 – What is “Cambiamo aria 2030”?

Topic: The ISDE project

• What is ISDE – Doctors for the Environment?

• Why was “Cambiamo aria 2030” created?

• Health and environmental objectives;

• Why take action today?

Guest: ISDE national representative

Episode 2 – Air pollution in Italy

Topic: general overview

• Main pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, NO2, ozone);

• Areas most affected

• Comparison with WHO limits

• Evolution over the last 20 years

Guest: environmental epidemiologist

Episode 3 – European and Italian regulations

Topic: the rules that protect (or should protect)

• EU directives on air quality;

• Italian legal limits

• Critical issues and delays

• What will change by 2030?

Guest: environmental lawyer/health policy expert

Episode 4 – Health figures

Topic: epidemiology

• Mortality attributable to pollution.

• Hospitalisations and chronic diseases

• Health and social costs

• Data from the ISDE study “Cambiamo aria” (Let’s change the air).

Guest: ISDE epidemiologist.

Episode 5 – Heart and blood vessels

Topic: cardiovascular system

• Heart attack and stroke;

• Biological mechanisms

• People most at risk

• Is prevention possible?

Guest: cardiologist

Episode 6 – Lungs and breathing

Topic: respiratory system

• Asthma, COPD, infections

• Short- and long-term effects

• Children and the elderly

Guest: pulmonologist

Episode 7 – Hormones and metabolism

Topic: endocrine system

• Endocrine disruptors in the air

• Diabetes and obesity

• Pregnancy and foetal development

Guest: endocrinologist

Episode 8 – Children

Topic: childhood and development

• Growing lungs

• Neurological development

• Learning and school performance

• Early exposure

Guest: paediatrician

Episode 9 – Cities and traffic

Topic: main sources

• Urban mobility

• Domestic heating

• Industry

• Everyday choices

Guest: sustainable mobility expert

Episode 10 – Emilia Romagna: the regional picture

Topic: local situation

• Air quality in the Po Valley

• Regional health data

• Active environmental policies

Guest: regional ISDE doctor / ARPA

Episode 11 – Innovative solutions in Emilia Romagna

Topic: good practices

• Low-emission zones

• Electric public transport

• Urban reforestation

• Smart monitoring

Guest: local administrator / environmental technician

Episode 12 – Towards 2030

Topic: conclusion

• What can we realistically achieve?

• The role of doctors?

• The role of citizens

• Final message of responsibility and hope

Guest: ISDE president or project coordinator

The series concludes with a focus on solutions already in place in Emilia-Romagna, including technological innovation and good practices in healthcare and the environment, offering a concrete look at the possibilities for improvement by 2030.