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UNICEF calls for action to help 300 million children exposed to toxic air
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Elementary students participate in a traditional game of sack race in Jawa Field, Depok, West Java, on Oct. 27. (Antara/Indrianto Eko Suwarso)
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NICEF is calling on world leaders to take urgent action to protect children from air pollution following the release of its recent report finding that almost 300 million children across the globe are exposed to toxic air pollution.
The report, entitled "Clear the Air for Children", is aimed at world leaders attending the upcoming COP 22 next month in Marrakech, Morocco.
The report reveals that almost one in seven of the world’s children live in areas with the most toxic levels of outdoor air pollution.
Air pollution is also a major contributing factor to the yearly deaths of around 600,000 children under 5 years of age, UNICEF executive director Anthony Lake said in a press statement on Monday.
“Pollutants don’t only harm developing lungs. They can actually cross the blood-brain barrier and permanently damage developing brains and thus, the future of children. No society can afford to ignore air pollution,” Lake said.
Countries can tackle air pollution to protect children by taking four steps, namely reducing pollution, increasing child access to healthcare, minimizing exposure and monitoring air pollution.
“We protect our children when we protect the quality of our air. Both are central to our future,” Lake said.
The report acknowledges Indonesia's Transjakarta as a form of progress made in phasing out lead, which is known to have harmful effects on the brain and nervous system. (rin)
