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The islands’ has some of the worst air pollution in the European Union, and is killing five people every single day.
The country also has a particularly high rate of respiratory illnesses, with around 15% suffering from such diseases while roughly 1.5% live with a severe condition. When it comes to chronic asthma there are roughly five new cases per day.
And besides being a massive public health issue, it comes with a financial burden too. According to 2013 figures, the government coughs up around €1.8 million to deal with asthma cases, whether that’s through consultants or medication.
Fresh research has even shown that the majority of those who visit Mater Dei for asthma-related reasons live in the Northern harbour areas, places where you can’t not hear the noise of two or more construction sites at one time:
These regions include Gżira, Msida, Pembroke, Pietà, San Ġiljan, San Ġwann, Sliema, Swieqi, Ta’ Xbiex, Birkirkara, Ħamrun, Qormi, and Santa Venera.
A third of people admitted to hospital for asthma live in central malta