Toxic Air Threatens Children’s Lives Across East Asia and the Pacific, UNICEF Warns
2025-02-06 12:00
By: UNICEF
Bangkok, Thailand – Toxic air is threatening the lives and health of millions of children across East Asia and the Pacific, according to a new report released today by UNICEF. The report, “Toxic Air: The Threat to Children’s Health in East Asia and the Pacific,” found that 9 out of 10 children in the region are exposed to air pollution levels that exceed World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.
The report found that air pollution is a major cause of death and disease among children in East Asia and the Pacific. Exposure to toxic air can lead to a range of health problems, including respiratory infections, heart disease, stroke, and cancer. Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of air pollution because their lungs are still developing and they breathe more air per pound of body weight than adults.
The report also found that air pollution is disproportionately affecting children from poor and marginalized communities. These communities are often located near major sources of air pollution, such as factories, power plants, and traffic. Children from these communities are also more likely to be exposed to indoor air pollution from cooking and heating with solid fuels.
“Toxic air is a silent killer that is harming millions of children across East Asia and the Pacific,” said Karin Hulshof, UNICEF Regional Director for East Asia and the Pacific. “We need to take urgent action to reduce air pollution and protect children’s health.”
UNICEF is calling on governments to take a number of steps to reduce air pollution, including:
- Investing in renewable energy and energy efficiency
- Promoting clean transportation
- Reducing emissions from industry and agriculture
- Improving air quality monitoring and data sharing
- Educating the public about the dangers of air pollution
“We need to make clean air a priority for children,” said Hulshof. “We owe it to them to create a healthy and sustainable future.”
About UNICEF
UNICEF is a United Nations agency that works to promote the rights and well-being of every child. UNICEF works in more than 190 countries and territories to provide health care, nutrition, education, water and sanitation, and protection to children.
Toxic air threatens children’s lives across East Asia and the Pacific, UNICEF warns
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