Air pollution still kills 1,200 children and teenagers a year in Europe, report says

Air pollution still causes the premature death of at least 1,200 children and adolescents every year in Europe, according to a report by the European Environment Agency (EEA) published on Monday 24 April. As for adults, it constitutes the main environmental risk for the health of minors and reduces their life expectancy, according to this study covering around thirty countries on the continent, including the 27 EU Member States.

“Despite progress over the past years, the level of several major air pollutants continues to remain above World Health Organization guidelines, particularly in central and eastern Europe. , as well as in Italy”underlines the entity, which depends on the European Union.

Almost the entire urban population exposed to non-compliant air

Even if the share of children and adolescents affected by air pollution is “relatively weak” compared to the population as a whole, this assessment “represents a loss of potential future as well as a significant burden of chronic disease both in childhood and later in life”, underlines the AEE. The agency recommends focusing on air quality around schools and nurseries, as well as sports facilities and public transport.

After birth, ambient pollution increases the risk of several health problems, including asthma (9% of children and adolescents in Europe are affected) or respiratory insufficiency and infections, the agency also points out. These effects are compounded by several factors. Children are thus physically more active than adults, while their small size brings them closer to pollution, particularly car exhaust. All ages combined, 97% of the urban population were exposed in 2021 to air that did not comply with WHO recommendations.