More than 100 young children die each day due to pollution-related causes, with urgent action required, warns UNICEF.

Over 100 children under five are dying each day in East Asia and the Pacific due to air pollution, according to UNICEF. The United Nations Children’s Fund issued a stark warning on February 6, calling for immediate action to reduce harmful emissions, improve air quality standards, and enhance health systems. The alarming figure translates to almost 40,000 deaths annually among young children across the region.

UNICEF’s report highlights that over 500 million children live in areas with dangerously high pollution levels, often exposed to harmful air both indoors and outdoors. Exposure to toxic air can begin even before birth, resulting in lifelong health issues. Household air pollution, in particular, poses a significant risk, with fuels like wood and dried dung for cooking and heating contributing to over half of all air pollution-related deaths in children under five.

The report, titled Growing Up In The Haze, urges governments to take decisive steps to address the crisis. Samuel Treglown, UNICEF’s regional climate and sustainable environment consultant, stressed the need for global action: “Air pollution is a silent threat, but everyone has a role in making its impact visible and taking action.”

Countries across the region, including China, Indonesia, and the Philippines, are grappling with the devastating effects of air pollution, especially during the dry season. For example, Thailand is experiencing hazardous air quality due to crop burning and other factors. According to UNICEF, nearly one in four deaths of children under five in East Asia and the Pacific is linked to air pollution, making it the second-largest risk factor for child mortality after malnutrition.

Globally, air pollution contributes to nearly 2,000 child deaths every day, with the crisis now the second leading cause of early death worldwide. Exposure to pollutants such as PM2.5, tiny particles that penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, is particularly harmful. Prolonged exposure leads to serious health conditions like respiratory illnesses, delayed brain development, and even cancer.

Although there has been some progress, with child deaths linked to air pollution dropping by 78% between 2000 and 2021, the decline in deaths due to outdoor pollution has been slower. Outdoor air pollution, particularly from traffic, industry, and waste burning, has contributed to a 40% increase in air pollution-related deaths among children.

UNICEF is calling for stronger environmental policies, cleaner energy transitions, and improved healthcare responses to this growing issue. Increased awareness, particularly among parents and educators, is also crucial in reducing the harmful effects of air pollution and protecting the health of future generations.