Key points
- “Silent killer” causes 1 in 4 deaths of children under age five in the region: UNICEF
- 373 million kids are exposed to unhealthy levels of nitrogen dioxide: report
- 500 million children live with unhealthy levels of air pollution: UNICEF
NEW YORK: Air pollution kills around 100 children younger than age five every day in East Asia and the Pacific, according to UNICEF.
Anadolu news agency reported that air pollution, the “silent killer,” has reached its highest levels in many areas of the region during the dry season, which lasts from now until April.
It is linked to about one in four deaths among kids in the region.
“The air they breathe, at a time when their bodies and minds are still developing, too often contains unhealthy levels of pollution that can comprise their growth, harm their lungs, and impair their cognitive development, robbing them of their health, their potential, and the bright future they deserve,” said June Kunugi, UNICEF regional director for East Asia and the Pacific.
Bangkok’s toxic air is forcing schools to close—but it’s just part of a bigger crisis. @UNICEF_EAPRO‘s latest analysis reveals that #airpollution kills over 100 children under five every day across East Asia & the Pacific. https://t.co/CQLBumdaa5
— UNICEF Media (@UNICEFmedia) February 6, 2025
The analysis said every single child in East Asia and the Pacific – as many as 500 million children in total – reside in nations with unhealthy levels of air pollution. Household air pollution, caused by solid fuels used for cooking and heating, is linked to more than half of all air pollution-related deaths in children under five, according to the report.
Meanwhile, about 325 million children live in nations where the average cancer-causing microparticles (PM2.5) are five times higher than recommended, mainly due to the burning of fossil fuels, biomass, and agricultural waste, the report said.
Call for action
As many as 373 million children are exposed to unhealthy levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and 453 million children live in areas where ozone pollution exceeds the recommended level, it added.
UNICEF has urged governments, businesses, the health sector, parents and educators to urgently address air pollution’s impact on children for children in the region.
It called on governments to lead by strengthening climate and environmental policies, transitioning to clean energy.
For businesses, the report has also recommended to adopt clean technologies, decrease emissions, and ensure their practices and products prioritize the safety and well-being of kids.
The health sector, UNICEF said, should take steps to improve detection and treatment, and adopt sustainable, net-zero operations.
Parents and educators “should play a crucial role in raising awareness, advocating for cleaner environments, and empowering young people to take action,” according to UNICEF.
