The Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) warns that air pollution exposure may stunt lung function growth of children into adolescence.

An article published by scientists at Utrecht University in the European Respiratory Journal found that Dutch children, exposed to air near their homes containing high concentrations of nitrogen dioxide, soot, and particulate matter from preschool age onwards, had lower airway growth at 16 years of age [1].

The Global Asthma Report 2018, launched by the Global Asthma Network on 31 August 2018, finds that a large proportion of people in the world with asthma are not getting adequate treatment.

“Millions of people suffer from asthma because they do not get access to the medicines that lessen their breathing difficulties,” says Professor Asher, Chair of the Global Asthma Network.

The Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) is concerned with the findings of a new study highlighting an increased risk of ischemic heart disease (IHD) mortality in relation to diesel and respirable dust exposure.

The study published in the prestigious American Journal of Epidemiology by a group of leading scientists involved more than 10,000 US miners. It found that the miners exposed occupationally to diesel exhaust and respirable dust, had an increased risk of IHD mortality [1].

FIRS would like to thank all organisations who have pledged to support World Lung Day 2018.

World Lung Day falls on 25th September and is a day to rally advocacy for respiratory health and air quality globally. You can see the full list of organisations supporting World Lung Day 2018 below.

World Lung Day 2019

If you are an individual or organisation interested in supporting World Lung Day 2019, email Lisa Roscoe This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

More information to follow soon. 

Lung cancer continues to be one of the most common cancers worldwide, claiming more lives yearly than breast, colon, and prostate cancers combined. World Lung Cancer Day is a great opportunity for us all to raise awareness about lung cancer , highlighting the key risk factors as well as screening and treatment options. 

This World Lung Cancer Day the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) commemorate, celebrate and support those impacted by lung cancer.

World No Tobacco Day – 31 May 2018.

Cape Town, Glenview, Lausanne, Montevideo, New York, Paris, Tokyo, May 31, 2018 – Tobacco is the leading underlying single cause of death worldwide. In 2016, tobacco use caused over 7.1 million deaths mostly related to lung and heart disease, cancer, and stroke. Every year, on 31 May, persons and organizations mark World No Tobacco Day, by highlighting the health and other risks associated with tobacco use and advocating for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption.

Statement from FIRS (Forum of International Respiratory Societies) for World TB Day – 24 March 2018

Cape Town, Glenview, Lausanne, Montevideo, New York, Paris, Tokyo, March 24, 2018

On World TB Day, the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) calls on the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to commit to the urgent changes needed to end tuberculosis (TB), in their first High Level Meeting (HLM) on TB.

The Communications Officer carries out all FIRS communications activity and works closely with the executive director, administrative assistant, webmaster, communications teams from each member organization, and communications persons from partnering organizations. Related responsibilities include promoting FIRS as an organization as well as its major policy initiatives (such as World Lung Day), coordinating communications, and its member organizations’ activities. The position is full time.

Cape Town, Glenview, Lausanne, Montevideo, New York, Paris, Tokyo, Dec. 1, 2017 — In recognition of World AIDS Day, held annually on Dec. 1 each year since 1988, the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) is calling on governments, health advocates and non-government organizations to strengthen their response to HIV/AIDS. In 2016 AIDS claimed 1million lives.

25 September 2017 LAUSANNE – The Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) has coordinated the first World Lung Day, on 25 September, which asserts that the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals will not succeed without more attention to the burden of lung disease as outlined in their recent report The Global Impact of Respiratory Disease. FIRS calls for public support of respiratory health as a main action on World Lung Day.

8 August 2017 GENEVA - The Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) warns today of a new potential air pollution health hazard associated with burning coal.

World Lung Cancer Day commemorates, celebrates and supports those impacted by lung cancer

19 June 2017 GENEVA - The Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) supports the outstanding efforts of tobacco cessation programs in the United States, and hopes to see that success translate globally.

Report Outlines Major Causes of Respiratory Disease and Mortality and Lays Out Recommendations for Global Action

Cape Town, Glenview, Lausanne, Montevideo, New York, Paris, Tokyo, Fontana, May 2, 2017 – In support of World Asthma Day, 2 May, the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) urges more availability to effective medications and health care for persons with asthma.

Cape Town, Glenview, Lausanne, Montevideo, New York, Paris, Tokyo, March 24, 2017 – In support of World TB Day, 24 March, the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) urges action on five united strategies to ensure the aim of ending tuberculosis (TB) by 2030 becomes achievable, despite new and emerging challenges.

Cape Town, Glenview, Lausanne, Montevideo, New York, Paris, Tokyo, Dec. 1, 2016— In recognition of World AIDS Day, held annually on Dec. 1 each year since 1988, the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) is calling on governments, health advocates and non-government organizations to strengthen their response to HIV/AIDS. In 2015 AIDS claimed 1.1 million lives.

Strategies to prevent and treat pneumonia must be strengthened to address the large global burden

Cape Town, Glenview, Lausanne, Montevideo, New York, Paris, Tokyo (November, 12, 2016) In support of World Pneumonia Day, 12 November, the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) calls for global efforts to strengthen effective strategies to protect against, prevent and treat pneumonia.

Case of the missing crucifix

Tuesday, October 25, 1:30 p.m., Exhibit Hall, Poster 209

A medical student from National Institute of Medical Science and Nutrition Salvador Zubiran, Mexico, will present a patient who swallowed an usual object that got stuck. A 46-year-old man with a history of multiple substance abuse came seeking attention because of difficulty swallowing. After a chest film revealed a t-shaped foreign object in his esophagus, doctors attempted an endoscopy to remove the metallic foreign body with no success. He underwent surgery to successfully remove the t-shaped object, a small metal crucifix. He was discharged uneventfully.