Air pollution load It disproportionately affects the most vulnerable in our society, with social and economic inequalities linked to exposure to poorer air quality. Children and the elderly tend to suffer the worst health consequences from breathing polluted air, while people on lower incomes often live in the most polluted areas. In addition to causing deaths, such as from cancer and heart disease, air pollution affects quality of life of people suffering from diseases Many of us suffer or have family members who suffer from conditions such as asthma, heart disease or diabetes, and we know how air pollution can hinder our ability to perform simple everyday tasks. We should also not forget the significant costs that air pollution continues to impose on our healthcare systems. (Leena Ylä-Mononen)