On the occasion of National Air Quality Day, which took place on October 14, UNICEF France and the Climate Action Network published a report called “ Social injustice in the air “. The latter highlights the consequences of air pollution on children in precarious situations. For them, it is urgent to act.
Three in four children breathe polluted air in France
UNICEF informs us in the conclusions of its report that children are particularly exposed to air pollution. Their young age induces physiological specificities which make them more vulnerable to air polluting substances. Children are not only more sensitive to pollution, but they also breathe faster than adults, so the concentrations of particles absorbed through their airways are higher. Their immune system is still immature and their protective barriers, like the skin, are more permeable than those of an adult.
In France, most children live in cities, areas which are obviously more polluted, in particular because of the road traffic which is becoming increasingly dense. This is the main reason why “ more than three in four children breathe polluted air As the UNICEF report highlights. Obviously, there are disparities between the different cities in France. The Organization which defends the rights of the child illustrates this phenomenon through three large French cities: Paris, Lille and Marseille. Most schools, nurseries or places of reception for young children are located near, or even in areas where pollution thresholds are exceeded. This Unicef press release was drawn up in order to raise awareness of this major problem of pollution, because “ some children accumulate since their birth vulnerabilities which will have an impact during their childhood but also on their future adult life ”, Such as the occurrence of diseases such as asthma or allergies.
Poor children are more vulnerable to pollution
Poverty and pollution are two elements that have deleterious consequences on the health of children. There are several reasons for this. On the one hand, children from disadvantaged backgrounds are more vulnerable to the effects of air pollution, because they generally live in more difficult living conditions, such as poor housing, poorer quality food hygiene. or even more laborious access to care. On the other hand, these children accumulate other nuisances. The level of noise pollution is higher, as is indoor air pollution. They can also be more easily exposed to toxic substances such as tobacco. In addition, areas that are socio-economically disadvantaged benefit from much less ” green spaces, parks, play and recreation areas, or other resources likely to offset less favorable living conditions. ”
For UNICEF France and the Climate Action Network, it is essential to propose solutions so that politicians fight against atmospheric pollution. ” This report is a cry of alarm to better protect children and make the fight against air pollution a lever in the service of the fight against social inequalities.. “
