Air pollution causes the premature death of at least 1,200 children and adolescents each year in Europe, according to a report by the European Environment Agency (EEA) published on Monday.
As for adults, air pollution is the main environmental risk to the health of minors, reducing life expectancy, reveals the study that covered nearly 30 countries on the continent, including the 27 Member States of the European Union ( EU).
“Air pollution causes more than 1,200 premature deaths per year among people under the age of 18 in Europe and significantly increases the risk of future disease,” the EEA writes in the report.
“Despite the progress made in recent years, the level of several of the main air pollutants is still above the World Health Organization guidelines, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe, as well as in Italy,” he stresses. the organization, dependent on the EU
The Po plain in northern Italy, areas close to large coal-fired power plants, as well as large cities in the center and east of the continent are regularly noted for poor air quality.
According to another report published by the EEA in November, at least 238,000 people of all ages died prematurely in 2020 from air pollution in the agency’s member countries: the European Union, Turkey, Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein.
Although the proportion of children and adolescents affected by air pollution is “relatively small” compared to the general population, dying so early “represents a loss of future potential, as well as a significant burden of chronic disease both in childhood and in later life.” the future”. the AEA said.
The agency championed the focus on improving air quality around schools and kindergartens, as well as sports facilities and public transport.
The effects of air pollution begin before birth, with maternal exposure “linked to low birth weight and preterm birth,” recalls the AEA.
After birth, environmental pollution increases the risk of various health problems, including asthma – which affects 9% of children and adolescents in Europe – or respiratory failure and infections, the agency also points out.
The effects are compounded by the fact that children are more physically active than adults and because, due to their size, they are closer to sources of pollution, such as car exhaust.
Looking at the general population, 97% of the European urban population was exposed in 2021 to air that does not meet the WHO recommendations, according to data published today.
However, in the November report, the EEA noted that the European Union was on track to meet the target of reducing premature deaths by more than 50% by 2030 compared to 2005.
Source: TSF
