Shocking Study Reveals Air Pollution as Second Leading Cause of Death Among Young Kids in South Asia in 2024!

An estimated 1.6 lakh children under the age of 5 may have succumbed to air pollution or related causes in India since 2021, according to the recently released State of Global Air report. This alarming figure underscores the severe impact of air pollution on the youngest and most vulnerable segment of the population.

The report highlights a stark disparity in the air pollution-linked death rate for children under five in South Asia, which stands at 164 per 100,000, compared to a global average of 108 per 100,000. This data, derived from the Global Burden of Disease study, paints a troubling picture of the region’s air quality and its effects on child health.

Air Pollution’s Toll on Children: A Grim Report from 2021

In 2021, the countries with the highest numbers of air pollution-related deaths among children under five were India (169,400 deaths), Nigeria (114,100 deaths), Pakistan (68,100 deaths), Ethiopia (31,100 deaths), and Bangladesh (19,100 deaths). These figures reflect the profound impact of air pollution on child mortality in these nations.

The report notes that children are especially vulnerable to the detrimental effects of air pollution. From the womb onwards, the damage caused by polluted air can result in lifelong health issues. For instance, children inhale more air relative to their body weight compared to adults, leading to a higher intake of pollutants while their lungs, bodies, and brains are still developing. The health repercussions include premature birth, low birth weight, asthma, and other lung diseases.

In South Asia, exposure to air pollution was linked to over 260,600 deaths of children under five in 2021, making it the second most significant risk factor for death in this age group, following malnutrition. This statistic emphasizes the critical need for improved air quality to safeguard children’s health.

Drawing on data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD 2021) by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, the report reveals that despite some progress, air pollution-related deaths among young children remain alarmingly high in regions like South Asia and parts of Africa. Pneumonia, lower respiratory tract infections, and asthma are among the serious health issues exacerbated by air pollution, with the former responsible for one in five child deaths globally.

On a global scale, air pollution from PM2.5 (fine, respirable pollution particles) and ozone was estimated to contribute to 8.1 million deaths in 2021, accounting for approximately 12% of total global deaths. PM2.5, from both ambient and household sources, is identified as the largest contributor to the air pollution disease burden, responsible for 7.8 million deaths, or over 90% of the total burden.

India and China, each with populations exceeding one billion, bear a significant portion of this burden, accounting for 54% of the total global disease burden from air pollution, with India recording 2.1 million deaths and China 2.3 million deaths in 2021.

The report concludes that the year 2021 saw more deaths linked to air pollution than any previous year, indicating that the disease burden from air pollution continues to rise. Other countries with significant impacts include Pakistan (256,000 deaths), Myanmar (101,600 deaths), and Bangladesh (236,300 deaths) in South Asia.

UNICEF deputy executive director Kitty van der Heijden emphasized the profound effects of inaction on the next generation, noting that nearly 2,000 children under five years old die every day due to health impacts linked to air pollution. This stark reality underscores the global urgency for governments and businesses to use these estimates and locally available data to inform meaningful, child-focused actions aimed at reducing air pollution and protecting children’s health.

Despite these grim statistics, the report acknowledges some progress since 2000, noting that the death rate linked to children under five has dropped by 53%. This improvement is largely attributed to efforts aimed at expanding access to clean energy for cooking, as well as advancements in healthcare, nutrition, and increased awareness about the dangers of household air pollution.

A Call to Action in 2024

The findings of the State of Global Air report are a clarion call for immediate and sustained action to combat air pollution, especially in regions with high child mortality rates. Enhancing air quality can have a profound impact on reducing the health burden on children, ensuring they grow up in an environment that supports their overall well-being and development.

The global community must prioritize initiatives that reduce air pollution, such as promoting cleaner energy sources, enforcing stricter emissions regulations, and raising public awareness about the health impacts of polluted air. By taking decisive action now, we can pave the way for a healthier future for children worldwide, mitigating the severe health risks posed by air pollution and fostering a safer, more sustainable environment for generations to come.