Environmental pollution kills 1.7 million children under the age of five every year worldwide. This is according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). The WHO warns that child deaths will increase greatly if pollution continues to worsen.
The most common causes of death among children aged one month to five years are diarrhea, malaria and pneumonia. This is according to the WHO. This means providing access to safe water and sanitation, limiting exposure to dangerous chemicals, and improving waste management.
The WHO estimates that air pollution is responsible for about 6. 5 million premature, or early deaths every year. That number includes nearly 600, 000 deaths of children under the age of five. Most of these deaths take place in developing countries.
Air pollution is a leveler between rich and poor, according to WHO environment and health chief Maria Neira. And one of the most important ways to reduce air pollution is to produce cleaner fuels for cooking and heating. "Almost half of the world population is using dirty fuels for cooking, heating, and lighting at home. And, this is affecting very much mothers who are staying and cooking at home, but the children who are around mothers are exposed as well." Early exposure to harmful pollutants can lead to increased risk of chronic respiratory disease, asthma, heart disease, stroke and cancer later in life.
Cleaning up how the world cooks, heats and lights homes and other buildings is a big-picture goal. The WHO is advising government departments and industries such as construction and the health sector to work together to clean up their environment.
The US Environmental Protection Agency has the following suggestions:
· Avoid walking where there is a high volume of vehicle traffic.
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· Limit your time outside if you live in an area that issues warnings about air quality.
· Wear high-grade, rated face masks tightly to the face when air quality is poor.
· Remove your clothes and wash immediately after entering your house if you live or commute in a very polluted area.
A. However, of all the environmental pollutants, air pollution is being called the most dangerous.
B. But what can individuals do to limit our family's exposure to air pollution?
C. Therefore, the WHO stresses that governments around the world need to take the lead on ensuring that children grow up in a clean environment.
D. The organisation also says reducing environmental risks can prevent such deaths.
E. A polluted environment is a deadly one—particularly for young children.
F. Everybody, she says, needs to breathe.
G. Equip homes with air filters and air conditioning units.
