Air pollution harms young brains: WHO explains

Air pollution damages young brains

9 out of 10 people worldwide breathe air that doesn't meet air quality standards

Nine out of 10 people worldwide breathe air that doesn't meet the air quality standards recommended by the World Health Organization, while air pollution kills 7 million people annually.

Dr. Maria Neira, Director of the Department of Public Health, Environment, and Social Determinants of Health at the World Health Organization, highlighted the damage pollution causes to children's brains in an episode of "Science in 5" to deprive them of opportunities to learn, thrive, and grow.

Shocking Numbers

In response to a question from Vismita Gupta-Smith about the danger of invisible air pollution and its impact on the brain, and what countries are doing to stop it, Neira said that air pollution is the biggest environmental risk factor threatening health. She added, "Every year, the world witnesses 7 million deaths resulting from exposure to air pollution. This is a horrific number. Nine out of ten people in the world breathe air whose quality does not meet the World Health Organization's recommendations and guidelines."

She explained that these small particles in polluted air can penetrate deep into the lungs. They can also affect the brain and, in turn, the rest of the body, leading to stroke, cardiovascular disease, asthma, and even lung cancer.

Risks to Fetuses and Children

The Director of Public Health gave examples of the harm caused by air pollution. When a woman is pregnant, if she is exposed to high levels of pollution, she is at risk of low birth weight, premature birth, and even fetal developmental problems. She explained that they breathe faster than adults, so they take in more air relative to their size. They also play outdoors, which increases their exposure to air they cannot control.

In fact, a newborn exposed to high levels of pollution can experience difficulties and may be more likely to develop asthma, for example, later in life or chronic health problems. Children are also clearly more at risk because they are still growing and have small, developing lungs.

Legislation and Government Measures

She added that there are some individual measures that can be taken, such as reducing exposure by avoiding the most congested roads or congested areas of the city, avoiding exercise or walking in highly polluted areas, or even at home, and reviewing the types of fuels used for cooking and ensuring the cleanest ones are used. However, she emphasized that this requires legislation and government measures.

Success Stories

Dr. Neira recounted that there is clear evidence that these measures and actions can be taken. For example, the European Union and the European Parliament recently adopted a directive on air quality, which is fully aligned with the recommendations and guidelines of the World Trade Organization. This legislation will significantly protect the health of Europeans. There are also examples in China, where they have demonstrated the possibility of reducing air pollution while maintaining good economic growth.

Dr. Neira continued, explaining that amazing results can be achieved, citing the example of the Mayor of Paris, who managed to reduce air pollution by 50% over the past 20 years, and thus all associated diseases, by implementing certain traffic regulations, recommendations.

  and increasing green spaces ,pedestrian and bicycle lanes. She pointed to London's experience in establishing ultra-low emission zones, which have proven to reduce air pollution and associated respiratory diseases in Colombia. Meanwhile, in Bogotá, they are installing a 100% electric bus fleet.