News

Pollution is no longer just a matter of lung health. As highlighted during the international event RespiraMI 2026, organized by Fondazione Menarini, and further discussed by the Foundation’s President, Prof. Stefano Del Prato, during an interview on TG2 Medicina33, we are now facing a multifactorial challenge.

For the first time, pollutants such as noise and light have been included in European guidelines as cardiovascular risk factors, contributing to approximately 5.5 million deaths worldwide each year.

Today we live in a complex environment where multiple factors interact and negatively affect our bodies, explains Professor Del Prato:

●       Air pollution:

●       Noise pollution: excessive noise disrupts cognitive processes and learning in children and may even accelerate conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

●       Light pollution: artificial light at night interferes with circadian rhythms and the sleep–wake cycle. This imbalance can increase the risk of obesity by up to 20% and contribute to diabetes through insulin resistance and oxidative stress.

Alongside public policies, however, there are also practical everyday measures that can help mitigate this “multi-pollution” exposure:

●       Sleep hygiene: using blackout sleep masks can help protect endocrine rhythms from streetlight exposure.

●       Noise reduction: insulating noisy household appliances or using ear protection can help reduce systemic stress.

●       Digital awareness: limiting exposure to bright screens in the evening can reduce sedentary behavior and unhealthy calorie intake among younger people.

“The goal,” concludes Prof. Del Prato, “is to combine scientific knowledge with everyday health.”

From the study of air pollution to its clinical and social implications, RespiraMI - now in its sixth edition - has become a well-established meeting point between scientific research and collective responsibility: a space for dialogue where science is transformed into practical knowledge that can help build a healthier future.

The event fully reflects the mission of Fondazione Menarini: creating opportunities for discussion where cutting-edge research can be translated into shared understanding and, ultimately, into concrete tools for improving health and well-being in everyday life.