Air Pollution Linked to 1 in 5 Infant Deaths in Europe and Central Asia, UNICEF Reports

A new UNICEF policy brief reveals alarming statistics regarding infant mortality in Europe and Central Asia, with over 5,480 infants dying from air pollution-related causes in 2021. This accounts for one in five deaths among children under one year old across 23 countries in the region.

The report, titled “Breathless Beginnings,” highlights that air pollution levels in major cities often exceed World Health Organization (WHO) safety standards, making it the leading environmental health risk for children. Maria Osbeck, Regional Adviser for Sustainability and Climate at UNICEF, emphasized the preventable nature of these deaths, urging policymakers to prioritize air quality improvements.

Infants and young children are particularly vulnerable, suffering from long-term health issues due to early exposure to pollutants. The brief calls for increased government action, including establishing pollution-free zones near schools and health facilities and integrating air quality considerations into national health plans.

UNICEF stresses the urgent need for collective action to protect children from the detrimental effects of air pollution.