Greta Jimenez
Air pollution is a pressing issue that poses a significant threat to the health and well-being of children worldwide. It refers to the introduction of harmful substances, such as chemicals, gases, and particles, into the atmosphere, which can have detrimental effects on both the environment and human health. Children are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of air pollution due to their developing organs, higher breathing rates, and proximity to ground-level pollutants. This vulnerability is further exacerbated by their inability to protect themselves or influence policies that could mitigate their exposure to air pollution. With over 700,000 deaths attributed to air pollution in children under five years old in 2021, it is crucial to address this issue and implement measures to safeguard the health and future of our younger generations.
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What You'll Learn
Children's increased vulnerability to air pollution
Air pollution is the biggest environmental health risk factor for children. In 2021, it was the second leading risk factor for death among children under five, after malnutrition. According to the 2024 State of Global Air, air pollution was linked to a total of 709,000 deaths in children under 5 years old. This represents 15% of all global deaths in children under five, meaning that almost 2,000 children under 5 die every day due to health issues linked to air pollution. More than 70% of these deaths were linked to household air pollution, specifically from cooking with polluting fuels.
Children are more vulnerable to air pollution than adults because their bodies, organs, and immune systems are still developing. Their breathing rates are also higher than those of adults, and they take in more air per kilogram of body weight. Their lower physical height means they breathe air closer to the ground, where certain pollutants, especially from traffic exhausts, are emitted and become concentrated. Children also inhale a larger fraction of air through their mouths, which means the pollution penetrates deep into the lower respiratory tract, which is more permeable.
Children who have been exposed to high levels of air pollution may be at greater risk of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, later in life. There is a strong association between air pollution and pneumonia, which accounts for 22% of all deaths of children between 1 and 5 years old. Ground-level ozone is a powerful airway irritant and can cause breathing problems, especially in children with asthma. Almost half of all deaths due to lower respiratory tract infections in children under 5 years old are caused by particulate matter from household air pollution.
Children are also particularly vulnerable to second-hand smoke, both before and after birth. Exposure to traffic-related air pollution has also been associated with an increased risk of childhood leukaemia.
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Household air pollution
Air pollution is caused by solid and liquid particles, known as aerosols, and certain gases that enter the Earth's atmosphere. While air pollution affects everyone, children are especially vulnerable. Their bodies, organs, and immune systems are still developing, and they breathe faster and more through their mouths, taking in more air per kilogram of body weight. They are also more physically active and often spend more time outdoors, breathing air closer to the ground where pollutants from traffic exhausts and other sources are emitted and become concentrated.
The health risks associated with household air pollution are extensive. Exposure to household air pollution can cause short-term effects such as burning eyes, coughing, and nose and throat irritation. More severely, it can lead to non-communicable diseases, including stroke, ischaemic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer in adults. In children, household air pollution is a significant risk factor for pneumonia, with almost half of all pneumonia deaths in children under five attributed to it. It is also associated with low birth weight, asthma, ear infections, upper respiratory infections, and developmental issues.
To reduce household air pollution and protect health, it is essential to transition to clean fuels and technologies. The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued guidelines recommending the use of solar power, electricity, biogas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), natural gas, alcohol fuels, and biomass stoves that meet emission targets. These alternatives can significantly improve indoor air quality and reduce the health risks associated with polluting fuels.
Additionally, addressing all household energy uses is crucial, especially cooking, space heating, and lighting. Improving ventilation in homes can also help reduce the concentration of pollutants. Educating families about the dangers of household air pollution and promoting access to cleaner alternatives can empower them to make healthier choices.
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Outdoor air pollution
Children are more susceptible to outdoor air pollution because they spend more time outdoors, and their height means they breathe air closer to the ground, where some pollutants are emitted and become concentrated. Outdoor air pollution is caused by the combustion of fossil fuels, industrial processes, waste burning, agricultural practices, construction, motor vehicles, and natural processes like dust storms and volcanic eruptions.
Some of the major sources of outdoor air pollution that harm children's health include household air pollution, waste-related pollution, traffic-related pollution, landscape fires, second-hand smoke, and dust and sand storms. Long-term exposure to traffic-related air pollution, for example, has been linked to asthma onset in children, lower respiratory tract infections, and premature death.
Children are also affected by outdoor air pollution at their schools. Air pollution concentrations in school grounds, playgrounds, and drop-off points are influenced by proximity to roads, traffic density, and flow. Certain practices can help reduce children's exposure to outdoor air pollution, such as improving air quality around schools and kindergartens, scheduling outdoor activities after school hours, and reducing the use of toxic chemicals in these areas.
Overall, outdoor air pollution poses a significant risk to children's health, and it is crucial to implement measures to reduce their exposure and protect their developing bodies.
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Global warming
Children are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of global warming and air pollution. Their developing organs, including the brain, lungs, and immune system, make them susceptible to health risks associated with air pollution. According to the European Environment Agency, air pollution is the biggest environmental health risk factor for children, with over 1,200 deaths estimated annually in children under 18 in EEA member and collaborating countries. Moreover, in 2021, air pollution was linked to approximately 709,000 deaths in children under five years old worldwide, making it the second leading risk factor for death in this age group.
Household air pollution, caused by cooking with polluting fuels, contributes significantly to these statistics, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Outdoor air pollution from traffic exhaust, industrial processes, and natural sources such as wildfires, also poses a significant threat to children's health. Their higher breathing rates, proximity to ground-level pollutants, and increased physical activity elevate their exposure to harmful particles and gases.
To combat global warming and mitigate its impacts on children, a transition to cleaner and renewable energy sources is imperative. This includes adopting wind and solar power, improving fuel efficiency, and electrifying transportation. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions, we can not only curb global warming but also improve air quality, protect children's health, and create a more sustainable future for generations to come.
Additionally, it is crucial to address the disproportionate impact of global warming on marginalized communities, including Indigenous Peoples, people of color, and the economically disadvantaged. Environmental racism exacerbates the challenges they face, and concerted efforts are needed to ensure equitable solutions and a more inclusive approach to combating global warming and its consequences.
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Health effects of air pollution
Air pollution is the presence of harmful substances in the atmosphere, such as dust, fumes, gases, mist, odour, smoke, or vapour. These pollutants can have detrimental effects on human health, particularly for children. Young children are more susceptible to the adverse effects of air pollution due to their higher breathing rates, proximity to ground-level pollutants, and developing organs.
Children's breathing rates are higher than those of adults, and they inhale more air relative to their body weight. They often spend more time outdoors, breathing in air closer to the ground where pollutants from traffic exhausts and dust are concentrated. This elevated exposure, combined with their faster breathing rate, results in a higher acquired dose of pollution. Furthermore, children inhale a larger fraction of air through their mouths, allowing pollution to penetrate deeper into their lower respiratory tract, which is more permeable.
The health effects of air pollution on children are significant. In 2021, air pollution was the second leading risk factor for death among children under five globally, after malnutrition. It was linked to approximately 709,000 deaths in this age group, with over 70% attributed to household air pollution from cooking with polluting fuels. Air pollution causes low birth weight, asthma, reduced lung function, respiratory infections, and allergies in children. It also increases the risk of adult chronic diseases, including stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cancer.
The sources of air pollution that harm children's health include household air pollution, waste-related pollution, traffic-related emissions, landscape fires, secondhand smoke, and dust and sandstorms. Outdoor air pollution is caused by the combustion of fossil fuels, industrial processes, waste burning, agricultural practices, construction, motor vehicles, and natural processes such as dust storms and volcanic eruptions.
The effects of air pollution are not limited to physical health. There is increasing evidence that psychosocial stress, such as poverty, racial/ethnic discrimination, and residency status, can amplify the harmful effects of air pollution. Lower-income communities are more vulnerable to pollution due to their proximity to pollution sources and limited resources for relocation.
Addressing air pollution is crucial to safeguard children's health. While overall pollution reduction is essential, immediate measures to improve air quality around schools and child-centric settings can help reduce children's exposure to harmful pollutants.
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Frequently asked questions
Kids can pollute the atmosphere by being exposed to second-hand smoke, which is a major health risk for children.
Air pollution has been linked to over 1,200 deaths in people under 18 years of age every year in EEA member and collaborating countries. It can also cause low birth weight, asthma, reduced lung function, respiratory infections and allergies.
Major sources of air pollution that affect children include household air pollution, waste-related pollution, traffic-related pollution, landscape fires, and dust and sand storms.
