Critical Evaluation of Childhood Exposure to Various Environmental Pollutants

Abstract

This study has been carried out to illustrate and assess childhood exposure to environmental pollutants and evaluate the associated impact on children’s health. Children are more susceptible to pollutants and toxicants of the environment and protecting their health should be a priority. Climate change, increased pollution and other environmental issues have pushed children to become the most endangered group to be affected. Children are habitual to unhealthy practices and putting anything in their mouth and identification of the main issues or pollutants affecting children’s health is highly required. Additionally, children breathe more air, drink more water, eat anything they find nearby, and constantly increase their biological growth. In this study, secondary qualitative data has been collected by exploring online journals, websites and newspaper articles. The collected data has been evaluated and interpreted by conducting a thematic analysis and the results suggest that children stand as the most vulnerable group severely impacted by environmental pollutants such as air pollution and water or soil pollution. Governments and the United Nations have taken several initiatives to reduce environmental impacts on children. Several programs have been to improve children’s environmental health and implement the Sustainable Development Goals. It has been observed that ensuring environmental sustainability can reduce the crucial impact and improve children’s health.