Children suffer most when we ignore pollution. They are more likely than adults to be affected by inhaling car fumes or by living in a damp and mouldy house filled with vapours from carpet glues and plastics.
Dirty air is one of the reasons why one in four children in Europe is allergic and why asthma has become the number one cause of absence from school. Children spend most of their time indoors so improving air quality in homes and schools represents an important measure to prevent respiratory problems in children.
Cleaner indoor air may also help prevent children developing certain chronic conditions in later life. For example, exposure to certain toxic fumes, such as those from insecticide sprays for indoor plants, has been associated with Parkinson's disease and various forms of cancer. Indoor air quality will be one of the issues – together with reducing obesity and injuries – to be discussed at the thematic meeting on healthy environments, which will bring together the 53 countries participating in the pan-European environment and health process.
The meeting is a milestone in preparation for next year’s Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health in Italy. The health community – including health NGOs through HEAL’s representation – has been an equal and active partner. As shown at a WHO meeting last year, the scientific literature on environmental health now needs to inspire practical action. The EU has a driving role to play in the process – by adopting stringent legislation, setting standards and highlighting ambitious policies and best practice for other countries to follow.
HEAL believes that the particular vulnerability of children must be a central priority of current and future legislation – of which the emerging science on the links between health and the environment must be an integral part. HEAL will advocate for these messages, not only within the ministerial process but also with the new Parliament and Commission.
