Recital 19

(19)The technical screening criteria for determining under which conditions an economic activity qualifies as contributing substantially to pollution prevention and control should reflect the need to eliminate pollution in air, water, soil, living organisms and food resources. Pollution can cause illnesses and in consequence may lead to premature deaths. Its most harmful impacts on human health are typically borne by the most vulnerable groups ¹⁶ . Pollution also threatens biodiversity and contributes to the mass extinction of species. As outlined in the Communication from the Commission of 12 May 2021, Pathway to a Healthy Planet for All EU Action Plan: ‘Towards Zero Pollution for Air, Water and Soil’ ¹⁷ , the economic benefits of fighting pollution are substantial and the benefits for society far outweigh the required costs.