Global Air Pollution: One Out Of Seven Children Breathes Toxic Air, UNICEF Says

A new study from the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) revealed that 300 million children or one in seven are living in areas with toxic air. The findings serve as the newest reminder of the global air pollution faced by the world.

According to The Washington Post, the world's most vulnerable inhabitants are currently facing the worst health threats associated with the environment. Using satellite imagery, UNICEF detailed how around two billion children live in places where pollution exceeds the World Health Organization's (WHO) minimum air-quality guidelines. It showed that 300 million children breathe toxic air and face dangerous levels of air pollution.

At present, global air pollution links to more than half-million deaths of children per year. It has affected those who were younger than five and the number of deaths is almost twice the malaria death toll. Among the conditions caused by poor air quality are respiratory conditions like asthma, pneumonia, and bronchitis.

Another concern is poverty. According to UNICEF's executive director Anthony Lake, many children suffering from respiratory illnesses are already disadvantaged by deprivation and poverty. Moreover, some face heightened risks from crises, conflicts, and intensifying climate change effects.

Phys.org reported that out of two billion people breathing polluted air, 620 million live in South Asia mostly in Northern India. 520 million children are affected in Africa while 450 million are affected in East Asia particularly in China.

In the past years, New Delhi has been deemed one of the world's most polluted cities. Since then, it has done measures to clean its air. Just last week, it launched "Change the Air", a smartphone application used to send photos and complaints about illegal sources of pollution; for instance, burning of leaves and throwing garbages in public parks.

Recently, WHO reported that around 90 percent of the world population breathes polluted air; hence the global air pollution emergency. Consequently, most people's health are at risk especially those in areas with toxic air.