Pollution Kills 1.7M Children A Year, According To WHO

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A report issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) stated that approximately 1.7 million children die in a year due to environmental pollution. Dirty air, contaminated water, poor sanitation and unhealthy hygiene methods are the causes of deaths among children ages 1 month to 5 years old, according to CNN.

Meanwhile, The Independent reported that the hazardous air pollution is more likely to result in pneumonia to children. Chronic respiratory disease such as asthma for instance, may develop over time because of overexposure in this kind of environment.

As we know, children are more susceptible to different types of illnesses because of their frail immune systems. That's why they can easily acquire diseases, especially those who are extremely exposed to harmful surroundings.

Malaria, diarrhea, and pneumonia are the most common causes of child death which can be avoided. Apparently, there are preventive measures given to areas which are affected by these diseases, stated by The Washington Post.

Diarrhea can be prevented by having a clean water system and good sanitation. Communities which have high cases of malaria are instructed to use bed nets. Pneumonia, on the other hand, is usually triggered by air pollution including secondhand smoke. Polluted environment puts them at risk of acquiring asthma, one of the most common respiratory problems for children.

WHO had expressed their solutions to reduce child mortality by developing clean water supply system, keeping pregnant women safe from polluted air and secondhand smoke and creating better environments.

Moreover, the organization tendered other possible ways such as promoting proper sanitation and good nutrition at school, more improved yet greener land development in urban areas, proper industrial waste disposal, and cessation of harmful pesticides used in farming. For private dwellings, removal of mold, pests and other hazardous elements like lead paint are highly suggested. It's time to save our planet from the disaster we have made to our own home.