The World Health Organization (WHO) says air pollution kills an estimated 600,000 children every year.
It says air pollution also caused symptoms relating to loss of intelligence, obesity and ear infections as it decries how helpless parents are.
The global body made these claims in a report released on Monday. Experts are now warning parents to avoid household air pollution.
That includes using less polluting fuels for cooking and not smoking. WHO is also asking parents to mobilize and put pressure on their governments to clean up the environment.
The WHO report is “Prescribing clean air”, summarised the latest scientific knowledge on the effect on children of air pollution, which affects about 93 percent of children globally.
Maria Neira, WHO’s head of environmental determinants of health said the findings are frightening.
She said “Something that is critical as well is this issue of the neuro-development.
“Imagine that our children will have less cognitive IQ. We are talking about putting at risk a new generation of having a reduced IQ. This is not only new but terribly shocking.”
According to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus “Polluted air is poisoning millions of children and ruining their lives.”
“This is inexcusable. Every child should be able to breathe clean air so they can grow and fulfil their full potential.”
In a statement Ghebreyesus said large parts of Asia, Africa and Latin America are among the worst affected.
The report said air pollution can also cause childhood cancers, asthma, poor lung function, pneumonia and other types of acute lower respiratory infection.
Source: Africafeeds.com
