"Children's lungs are still developing. For their body size, they're breathing more air. And also, kids play outdoors, they're more active, they're breathing in more outdoor air. So, air pollution exposure in children can contribute to long-term developmental harm to their lungs, new cases of asthma, increased risks of respiratory illness and other health considerations later in life."
"Although people of color make up 42.1% of the US population, they represent 54.2% of those living in counties with at least one failing grade. A person of color is 2.42 times more likely than a white person to live in a community that fails all three pollution measures."
A report from the American Lung Association reveals that 33.5 million children in the US, or 46% of those under 18, live in areas with failing air quality. The report highlights that 7 million children reside in communities that failed all three pollution measures. Children are particularly vulnerable to air pollution due to their developing lungs and active outdoor play. Communities of color face greater exposure to unhealthy air, leading to higher rates of chronic health conditions. The report emphasizes the urgent need for improved air quality protections.
#air-pollution #childrens-health #environmental-justice #chronic-health-conditions #american-lung-association
Read at www.theguardian.com
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