Toxic Air Threatens Children’s Lives Across East Asia and the Pacific, UNICEF Warns
2025-02-06 12:00
By the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
Bangkok, Thailand – A new report by UNICEF warns that toxic air is threatening the lives of millions of children across East Asia and the Pacific. The report, “Toxic Air: The Price of Progress,” found that air pollution is now the leading environmental cause of death for children under the age of 5 in the region.
The report found that children in East Asia and the Pacific are exposed to some of the highest levels of air pollution in the world. In some cities, the levels of air pollution are more than 10 times higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.
Air pollution is a major threat to children’s health. It can cause a range of health problems, including respiratory infections, asthma, and even cancer. In children, air pollution can also lead to developmental delays, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems.
The report found that the main sources of air pollution in East Asia and the Pacific are vehicles, industry, and burning of fossil fuels. The report calls on governments to take urgent action to reduce air pollution and protect children’s health.
“Air pollution is a silent killer that is stealing the lives and futures of our children,” said UNICEF Regional Director for East Asia and the Pacific, Karin Hulshof. “We must act now to reduce air pollution and protect our children.”
The report recommends a number of measures that governments can take to reduce air pollution, including:
- Investing in clean energy and renewable energy
- Promoting public transportation and walking and biking
- Improving energy efficiency in buildings and industry
- Implementing stricter vehicle emissions standards
- Monitoring air quality and providing public information about air pollution levels
The report also calls on parents and caregivers to take steps to protect their children from air pollution, such as:
- Keeping children indoors on days when air pollution levels are high
- Using air purifiers in homes and schools
- Encouraging children to play in parks and other green spaces
“Air pollution is a serious threat to the health of our children,” said Hulshof. “We must all work together to reduce air pollution and protect our children’s future.”
Additional Information:
- The report “Toxic Air: The Price of Progress” is available at: www.unicef.org/publications/toxic-air
- The World Health Organization (WHO) has set global air quality guidelines at: www.who.int/airpollution/guidelines/en/
- The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has a website on air pollution at: www.unenvironment.org/air
Toxic air threatens children’s lives across East Asia and the Pacific, UNICEF warns
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