Air pollution causes at least 1,200 premature deaths of at least 1,200 children and adolescents in Europe every year, according to a European Environment Agency (EEA) report released on Monday.

As with adults, air pollution is a major environmental health risk for minors and shortens their life expectancy, this study from 30 countries, including the 27 EU member states, shows.

“Air pollution causes more than 1,200 premature deaths per year (in the age group) under 18 years of age in Europe and significantly increases the risk of illness later in life” for minors, the EEA highlights in its report.

“Despite progress in recent years, levels of major air pollutants remain above the recommendations of the World Health Organization, especially in Central and Eastern Europe, as well as in Italy,” continued the EEA, which is part of the EU system.

Several countries in Europe, including the UK and Ukraine, have not been studied, suggesting that casualties on the continent are likely to be even greater.

According to another report published by the EEA in November, at least 238,000 people – regardless of age – died prematurely in 2020 due to air pollution in member countries (the EU, Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Turkey).

The report released today is the first EEA report to focus on minors.

While the percentage of children and adolescents affected by air pollution is “comparatively small” compared to the general population, such an early death or illness means “a loss of future potential and much of the chronic disease in both childhood and adolescence.” as well as in later life,” the organization emphasizes.

The EEA recommends paying special attention to air quality around schools and kindergartens, as well as sports facilities and transport.

The effects of pollution begin to appear even before birth, as its effects on the mother are “associated with low birth weight and preterm birth,” the text notes.

After birth, environmental pollution increases the risk of health problems such as asthma, which affects 9% of children and adolescents in Europe, respiratory failure and various diseases of the respiratory system, the EEA report also highlights.

Source: RES-IPE