WHO Report: Pollution Leads to 1.7 Million Child Deaths Per Year

Pollution” by Ian Burt licensed under CC BY 2.0

Source: WHO

According to a recent report from the World Health Organization, 1.7 million children under the age of five die every year due to a number of environmental risks. Such risks include indoor and outdoor pollution, secondhand smoke, contaminated water, and inadequate hygiene and sanitation.

Children are more vulnerable to illnesses that stem from environmental risks because they have smaller bodies and airways, and their organs and immune systems are still developing. The most common causes of death among children include diarrhea, malaria, and pneumonia.

The best ways to prevent premature deaths and illnesses among children include reducing air pollution inside and outside households, improving water conditions and sanitation, and protecting pregnant women from secondhand tobacco smoke.

Read full story at: WHO

Children & Families, Environment, Health, News
Children & Families, Environment, Health, News