Environmental pollution kills 1.7 million children every year

The new report published by WHO shows that environmental pollution is one of the main causes of child deaths.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has just published two reports that show that annual environmental pollution is killing 1.7 million children under 5 years old. Environmental issues such as air pollution, toxic water and lack of sanitation are the reasons for more than a quarter of all child deaths worldwide.

The first report shows that the most common diseases leading to death in children - malaria, dysentery, pneumonia - can be prevented if there is clean source and food. The second report details the impact of environmental pollution on children's health.

Children who live in polluted air, cigarette smoke from others are at higher risk for pneumonia and respiratory diseases.

"The pollution environment is very dangerous - especially for children. Growing organs and immune systems make children more susceptible to diseases from air and dirty water," WHO director Margaret Chan said.

The WHO report also shows the long-term impact of environmental pollution on children's health. Children who live in polluted air, cigarette smoke from others are at higher risk for pneumonia and respiratory diseases. Electronic waste can also cause children to be poisoned, reducing intelligence and causing cancer. According to calculations, by 2018, the amount of electronic waste worldwide will reach 50 million tons.

The effects of climate change such as rising temperatures and elevated CO ₂ levels also increase the risk of asthma. About 11-14% of children under 5 years of age have asthma-related diseases, and 44% of them have environmental causes.

Through the report, WHO called on governments to reduce air pollution, protect pregnant women from smoke and ensure the supply of clean and hygienic water.