Air Pollution's Impact On Children: Who Report

Air pollution is a major environmental health threat, causing about seven million premature deaths each year. A 2018 World Health Organization report revealed that 93% of children under 15 years old (1.8 billion children) breathe polluted air, putting their health and development at serious risk. The report, titled 'Air Pollution and Child Health: Prescribing Clean Air', examines the impact of ambient and household air pollution on children's health, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. It highlights the unique vulnerabilities of children to air pollution and the resulting adverse health effects, including respiratory infections, asthma, and neurodevelopmental issues. WHO's first Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health aimed to address this crisis and encourage action from world leaders and policymakers to protect children's health.

Children's exposure to air pollution

Children are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of air pollution due to various physiological and behavioural factors. A report by the World Health Organization (WHO) revealed that 93% of children under the age of 15 worldwide (approximately 1.8 billion children) breathe polluted air, putting their health and development at serious risk.

Ambient air pollution alone imposes enormous costs on the global economy, with total welfare losses amounting to more than US$5 trillion in 2013. The health impacts of air pollution on children are receiving more attention, but critical aspects, such as the unique vulnerabilities of children, are often overlooked.

Children are more susceptible to the harmful effects of air pollution due to their unique activity patterns and behaviours. They spend more time outdoors, are more physically active, and have faster breathing rates during exercise, increasing their exposure to pollutants. Their natural biological defences are also less developed, and their nasal passages are less effective at filtering out pollutants. Additionally, their developing organs and nervous systems are more susceptible to long-term damage.

The impact of air pollution on children's health can be seen in the increased prevalence of respiratory infections, asthma, and other respiratory illnesses. Studies have also linked air pollution to adverse pregnancy outcomes, including premature birth and low birth weight, and abnormal birth length. Furthermore, air pollution has been associated with neurodevelopmental issues, cognitive impairments, and an increased risk of childhood cancer.

To minimize children's exposure to polluted air, the WHO, in collaboration with other organizations, has implemented the BreatheLife campaign. This initiative aims to increase awareness and action on air pollution by governments and individuals, including locating schools and playgrounds away from major sources of pollution.

Air pollution and children's health

Air pollution is a major environmental health threat, causing about seven million premature deaths each year. According to a 2018 WHO report, 93% of children under 15 years of age (1.8 billion children) breathe polluted air, putting their health and development at serious risk. The report, titled "Air pollution and child health: prescribing clean air", highlights the impact of both ambient and household air pollution on children's health, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

Children are particularly vulnerable to air pollution due to their developing organs and nervous systems. Their unique activity patterns, such as crawling and playing on the ground, and behaviours, such as putting objects in their mouths, increase their exposure to toxicants. They also have faster breathing rates during exercise and spend more time outdoors, further increasing their relative exposure to air pollution. Additionally, their natural biological defences are less developed, making them more susceptible to the harmful effects of pollutants.

The WHO report revealed that pregnant women exposed to polluted air are more likely to give birth to prematurely and have low birth-weight children. Air pollution has also been linked to adverse neurodevelopmental and cognitive effects, triggering asthma and increasing the risk of childhood cancer. It is a leading cause of acute lower respiratory infections, contributing to 543,000 deaths in children under five in 2016.

Furthermore, air pollution has been associated with increased prevalence and incidence of asthma in children, particularly those who engage in sporting activities or have higher medication use. Studies have also documented an inverse relationship between exposure to criteria air pollutants and lung function, with current levels potentially causing deficits in lung function growth. Decreased lung function due to air pollution may predict higher morbidity or mortality later in life, increasing the risk of respiratory deficits and conditions such as COPD.

To minimize children's exposure to polluted air, the WHO, in collaboration with partners, has launched the BreatheLife campaign. This initiative aims to increase awareness and action on air pollution by governments and individuals, promoting clean alternatives and better urban planning to reduce emissions and protect children's health.

Air pollution and children's mortality

Air pollution is a major environmental health threat, causing about seven million premature deaths each year. According to a 2018 WHO report, 93% of children under the age of 15 (approximately 1.8 billion children) breathe polluted air that puts their health and development at serious risk. Tragically, the report estimates that in 2016, 600,000 children died from acute lower respiratory infections caused by polluted air.

Children are particularly vulnerable to air pollution due to several physiological and behavioural factors. They have unique activity patterns, such as crawling and playing on the ground, and often put their hands, toys, and other objects in their mouths, increasing the ingestion of harmful substances. They also spend more time outdoors and are more physically active, resulting in higher exposure to air pollution. Additionally, their developing organs and nervous systems are more susceptible to long-term damage from pollutants.

The impact of air pollution on children's mortality is evident in the increased prevalence of respiratory tract infections, asthma, and other respiratory illnesses. According to the WHO report, ambient (outside) and household air pollution contribute to respiratory tract infections that resulted in 543,000 deaths in children under the age of five in 2016. In low- and middle-income countries, household air pollution from cooking and ambient air pollution cause more than 50% of acute lower respiratory infections in children under five.

Furthermore, exposure to air pollution during fetal development and early life can have detrimental effects on children's health and mortality. Pregnant women exposed to polluted air are more likely to give birth prematurely and have low birth-weight children. Air pollution has also been linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes, including intrauterine growth retardation, abnormal birth length, and small size for gestational age.

The effects of air pollution on children's mortality are not limited to respiratory issues and premature births. Air pollution has been associated with childhood cancer, triggering asthma, and increasing the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease later in life. Additionally, studies have found a link between air pollution and sudden infant death syndrome, a leading cause of post-neonatal mortality in developed countries.

Air pollution and children's development

Air pollution is a major environmental health threat, causing about seven million premature deaths each year. According to a WHO report, 93% of children under 15 years of age (1.8 billion children) breathe polluted air, putting their health and development at serious risk. The report, titled 'Air pollution and child health: prescribing clean air', highlights the impact of both ambient and household air pollution on children's health, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

Children are more vulnerable to air pollution than adults due to their unique physiological and behavioural characteristics. They have higher inhalation rates relative to their body size, and their natural biological defences and nasal passages are less developed, making them more susceptible to pollutants. Additionally, children spend more time outdoors and engage in physical activities, increasing their exposure to polluted air.

The report reveals that pregnant women exposed to polluted air are more likely to experience premature births and have low birth-weight children. Air pollution also impacts neurodevelopment and cognitive abilities, triggering asthma and increasing the risk of childhood cancer. It is linked to an increased prevalence of respiratory tract infections, with an estimated 600,000 children dying from acute lower respiratory infections caused by polluted air in 2016.

Furthermore, air pollution has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including intrauterine growth retardation, abnormal birth length, and small size for gestational age. It can also lead to illness-related school absenteeism and alter the immune system in children. Studies have shown that exposure to air pollution, even at low levels, affects lung function in children and increases the risk of asthma and other respiratory issues.

To minimize children's exposure to polluted air, the WHO, in collaboration with partners, has launched the BreatheLife campaign. This initiative aims to increase awareness and encourage governments and individuals to take action against air pollution, promoting clean alternatives and better urban planning to reduce emissions.

Preventing children's exposure to air pollution

Air pollution is a major environmental health threat, causing about seven million premature deaths each year. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 93% of children worldwide under the age of 15 breathe polluted air, putting their health and development at serious risk. This is particularly true for children in low- and middle-income countries, where more than 50% of acute lower respiratory infections in children under five are caused by household and ambient air pollution.

To prevent children's exposure to air pollution, it is crucial to address the sources of pollution and implement measures to improve air quality. Here are some key strategies:

Policy Interventions and Government Action

Governments play a vital role in reducing air pollution and protecting children's health. This includes implementing policies and regulations to reduce emissions, transitioning to clean energy sources, promoting sustainable transportation, and improving energy efficiency in housing and urban planning. The BreatheLife campaign, a partnership between WHO, UN Environment, and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, aims to increase government action and awareness on air pollution.

Community Initiatives

Communities can work together to reduce air pollution and its impact on children. This includes advocating for cleaner fuels and technologies, promoting green business opportunities, and supporting initiatives to reduce agricultural waste burning and industrial emissions.

School and Playground Zoning

Schools, kindergartens, and playgrounds should be located away from major sources of air pollution, such as busy roads, factories, and power plants. Creating pollution-free zones around these areas can significantly reduce children's exposure to harmful pollutants.

Household Measures

Household air pollution from cooking and heating contributes significantly to respiratory infections in children. Providing clean and safe alternatives for cooking and heating, such as electric or LPG stoves, can help reduce children's exposure to indoor air pollution. Pregnant women should also be aware of the risks of air pollution and take precautions to protect their health and the development of their unborn children.

Individual Actions

Individuals can take steps to reduce their exposure to air pollution. Monitoring air quality information and adjusting behaviours accordingly can help minimize time spent in highly polluted areas. When pollution levels are high, children should avoid strenuous activity, especially if they have pre-existing medical conditions. Maintaining a healthy diet, exclusive breastfeeding for infants, and staying up-to-date with immunizations can also help reduce the impact of air pollution on children's health.

By implementing these measures and working together at various levels, we can effectively prevent children's exposure to air pollution and safeguard their health and future.

Frequently asked questions