According to a report issued by the EU environmental agency, air pollution is responsible for over 1,200 premature deaths among children under the age of 18 in Europe every year, and it also increases the risk of diseases in later stages of life. Even though some progress has been made, the study conducted across 30 countries, including the 27 EU members, shows that many European nations continue to have high levels of air pollutants, which exceed the guidelines set by the World Health Organization.

“Air pollution causes over 1,200 premature deaths per year in people under the age of 18 in Europe and significantly increases the risk of disease later in life,” the agency said.

The study was the agency’s first to focus specifically on children.

“Although the number of premature deaths in this age group is low relative to the total for the European population estimated by EEA each year, deaths early in life represent a loss of future potential and come with a significant burden of chronic illness, both in childhood and later in life,” the agency said.
The report recommended that officials concentrate their efforts on enhancing air quality in areas surrounding educational institutions such as schools and nurseries, as well as sports facilities and public transportation hubs.