Over 90% of the world's children breathe toxic air every day

http://climateandcapitalism.com/2018/10/30/over-90-of-the-worlds-children-breathe-toxic-air-every-day/
Date Written:  2018-10-30
Publisher:  Climate and Capitalism
Year Published:  2018
Resource Type:  Article
Cx Number:  CX23065

A look at the WHO report on "Air pollution and child health: Prescribing clean air", a study of the heavy toll of both outdoor and household air pollution on the health of the world's children, particularly those living in low and middle-income nations.

Abstract: 
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Excerpt:

It reveals that when pregnant women are exposed to polluted air, they are more likely to give birth prematurely, and have small, low birth-weight children. Air pollution also impacts neurodevelopment and cognitive ability and can trigger asthma, and childhood cancer. Children who have been exposed to high levels of air pollution may be at greater risk for chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease later in life.

"Polluted air is poisoning millions of children and ruining their lives," says Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. "This is inexcusable. Every child should be able to breathe clean air so they can grow and fulfill their full potential."

One reason why children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of air pollution is that they breathe more rapidly than adults and so absorb more pollutants.