Free Lung test at the RAI
On Sunday 28 September, a successful public initiative took place at RAI Amsterdam, where hundreds of Amsterdammers were able to have their lungs tested for free. The lung test was part of the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Congress, the largest lung congress in the world, which brought together thousands of doctors, nurses and scientists from 27 September to 1 October 2025.
Collaboration for awareness
The initiative was organised by the European Lung Foundation (ELF) and the European Respiratory Society (ERS), in collaboration with RAI Amsterdam, the Lung Foundation Netherlands (Longfonds), and the Amsterdam Convention Bureau. The aim was to raise awareness about lung health. In the Netherlands, 1.2 million people suffer from a chronic lung disease, including over half a million with COPD. Lung diseases rank fourth as a cause of death among adults in the Netherlands.
Insight through a simple breathing test
On the square in front of entrance K of the RAI, visitors could take a simple breathing test that measured the capacity and vitality of their lungs. Paediatric pulmonologist Mariëlle Pijnenburg explained: “The value that comes from the lung test indicates how large the lungs are and whether air can pass through easily. It’s a simple test, but it provides a lot of information.”
Campaign: Healthy Lungs for Life
The lung tests were part of the Healthy Lungs for Life campaign, which this year focuses on lung health in Amsterdam and protecting the lungs of children and young people.
The free lung tests at the RAI received media attention to create societal value around the event for the city of Amsterdam and the Netherlands. Additionally, the goal is to bring the topic of ‘lungs’ onto the radar in political circles in The Hague and Amsterdam, and to position the RAI as a driving force behind knowledge sharing and progress.
