The Silent Killer: Air Pollution’s Deadly Impact on Children

In a shocking revelation, a report released by the US-based Health Effects Institute has shown that nearly 2,000 children die every day due to health problems caused by air pollution. This makes air pollution the second biggest risk factor for early death worldwide, contributing to the deaths of 8.1 million people in 2021 alone.

The report highlighted that air pollution has now surpassed tobacco use and poor diet to become the leading cause of early death after high blood pressure. Children are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of air pollution, with more than 700,000 under the age of five succumbing to its consequences.

One of the major contributors to these deaths is indoor cooking using dirty fuels like coal, wood, or dung, especially prevalent in Africa and Asia. However, there is hope for change, as Pallavi Pant, the Health Effects Institute’s head of global health, believes these are problems that can be solved.

The report also revealed that over 90 percent of deaths related to air pollution were linked to PM2.5, tiny airborne pollutants that increase the risk of various health issues such as lung cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Ozone pollution, expected to worsen with climate change, was associated with nearly 500,000 deaths in 2021.

Efforts to combat air pollution and climate change go hand in hand, with reducing greenhouse gas emissions being a key solution. Countries like China have already made significant progress in improving indoor air quality by transitioning to cleaner cooking methods.

The impact of air pollution on children’s health cannot be understated, with UNICEF’s Kitty van der Heijden warning that our inaction is having profound effects on the next generation. It’s time for collective action to address this silent killer and ensure a healthier future for our children.