Ankara: Air pollution kills 100 children younger than age five every day in East Asia and the Pacific, UNICEF said in a new report on Thursday.

According to Anadolu Agency, air pollution, dubbed the 'silent killer,' reaches its highest levels in many areas of the region during the dry season, which lasts from now until April. It is linked to nearly one in four deaths among children in the region. The report highlights the severe impact of air pollution on children whose bodies and minds are still developing, often leading to compromised growth, lung damage, and impaired cognitive development, ultimately affecting their health and potential.

The analysis reveals that every child in East Asia and the Pacific, totaling up to 500 million children, resides in countries with unhealthy air pollution levels. Household air pollution, primarily from solid fuels used for cooking and heating, is linked to over half of all air pollution-related deaths in children under five.

The report also indicates that approximately 325 million children live in areas where cancer-causing microparticles (PM2.5) levels are five times higher than recommended, due largely to the burning of fossil fuels, biomass, and agricultural waste. Additionally, around 373 million children are exposed to unhealthy levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and 453 million children live in areas where ozone pollution exceeds the recommended level.

UNICEF called on various stakeholders, including governments, businesses, the health sector, parents, and educators, to urgently address the impact of air pollution on children in the region. The organization urged governments to strengthen climate and environmental policies and transition to clean energy.

For businesses, UNICEF recommended adopting clean technologies, reducing emissions, and ensuring their practices and products prioritize children's safety and well-being. The health sector should focus on improving detection and treatment and adopting sustainable, net-zero operations. Parents and educators are encouraged to raise awareness, advocate for cleaner environments, and empower young people to take action against air pollution.