Free Lung Health Check for Amsterdam Residents at the RAI
On Sunday, September 28, residents of Amsterdam can have their lungs checked for free at RAI Amsterdam. The lung test is part of the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Congress, the largest lung congress in the world, which brings together thousands of doctors, nurses, and scientists from around the globe.
The initiative is organized 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, part of amsterdam&partners. The organisations aim to raise awareness about lung health, as healthy lungs are essential for overall well-being and are a strong predictor of life expectancy.
During the lung tests, residents of Amsterdam can take a breath test that reveals the capacity and vitality of their lungs. Located on the square in front of entrance K of the RAI, medical professionals measure how much air a person can exhale and how quickly. The tests will take place this coming Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00 and last about ten minutes. There is capacity for around 500 people. “The result of the lung test provides information on how large the lungs are and whether air can pass easily,” explains paediatric pulmonologist Mariëlle Pijnenburg. “It’s a simple test, but it gives a lot of information. The result is a good predictor of how healthy your lungs are and whether you might have a lung disease.”
Main cause of death number four
In the Netherlands, 1.2 million people have a chronic lung disease, and according to figures from the Longfonds, €1.4 billion is spent annually on healthcare costs for this. Pijnenburg: “What many people don’t know is that lung diseases are the fourth most common cause of death among adults, after cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and dementia. Globally, pneumonia is the second leading cause of death in children, after preterm birth. And asthma is the most common chronic illness in children in the Netherlands. Sadly, lung diseases are not very ‘sexy,’ but we breathe every day, so it’s very important to raise awareness about them.”
The tests are part of the campaign Healthy Lungs for Life, which this year focuses on lung health in Amsterdam and protecting the lungs of children and young people. To raise awareness among as many Amsterdam residents as possible about the importance of lung health, the ERS Congress will have an adapted programme on Wednesday, 1 October, accessible to the public after registration. The programme includes attention to the impact of smoking and vaping on our health and discussions on measures that can be taken to improve air quality.
About ERS
The European Respiratory Society (ERS) Congress is the world’s largest congress in the field of respiratory medicine. This year, the congress will take place from 27 September to 1 October 2025 at RAI Amsterdam. It brings together lung experts from around the world to present, discuss, and collaborate on the latest developments in pulmonology and respiratory science. This annual event attracts approximately 20,000 healthcare professionals and patient representatives. In connection with the global awareness campaign Healthy Lungs for Life, various activities are organised around the congress to raise awareness about the importance of lung health.
