Every year, air pollution is responsible for the deaths of over 600,000 children under 5 years of age (UNICEF, 2016). Air pollution is especially harmful to young children as their bodies and brains are still developing, and they lack the natural defence mechanisms to fend off harmful pollutants. They also breath up to five times faster than adults, and with every breath, take in more air per unit of body weight than adults. Exposure to air pollution in early childhood can lead to lifelong health and developmental impacts, including reduced lung capacity, stunting, lower IQ and depression.
Vital Strategies has partnered with the Asia-Pacific Regional Network for Early Childhood Development (ARNEC) to publish this advocacy brief to highlight the specific risk that air pollution poses to young children, and a list of actions that we can all take to reduce this risk.
This publication is the first in a series and part of a resource kit on Climate and Environmental threats on early childhood development. To learn more, please email ecdclimate@gmail.com
Download the full advocacy brief (10 pages)
Download the call-to-action only (2-pager)
Recent Abstracts
Infectious Disease Detection Capabilities of Southeast Asian Countries: A Landscape Analysis of Surveillance…
Atitudes e percepções sobre a infância e violência contra crianças e adolescentes no…
An Observational Study of the Implementation of the Tobacco-Free Film and Television Policy…
Expanding First Response for Health Emergencies
Funding for Harm Reduction Programs
A Prosecutor’s Guide to Advancing a Public Health Response to Drug Use.
Quick Reference Guide and Checklist for CRVS and ID Systems Improvement Framework
Tobacco Control Case Study: Vietnam – E-Cigarette Message Testing Guides Policymaking
Public Opinion Poll Results on Alcohol Consumption in Sri Lanka
Vital Strategies: Reimagine Public Health