2023-02-25-世界卫生组织-HECA_-_Newsletter_January-February_2023_7页_186kb

Children's Environmental Health Newsletter Summary: January/February 2023

Introduction

This newsletter highlights international initiatives from WHO, UNEP, and partners aimed at promoting healthy environments for children. The content includes reports on sanitation, air pollution, climate change, and other environmental risks affecting child health.

Key Findings

Sanitation and Hygiene

• WHO and UNICEF emphasize the need for stronger government leadership and investment in resilient sanitation services to improve health, economies, and environments. The "State of the World’s Sanitation" report underscores urgent action, particularly in crisis contexts like the earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria, where sanitation conditions remain dire for children.
• UNICEF notes that children are vulnerable in emergencies, with many lacking safe water, shelter, and healthcare.

Air Pollution and Respiratory Health

• Children's exposure to air pollution and artificial light at night is linked to higher risks of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), respiratory infections, and impaired lung function. Studies from Poland, China, and the U.S. highlight the adverse effects on asthma, lung development, and cardiovascular issues.
• Industrial emissions increase infant mortality from respiratory diseases; household air pollution from gas stoves, renovations, and passive smoking is associated with neural tube defects and asthma in children.

Chemical and Heavy Metal Exposures

• Maternal exposure to PFAS and parabens during pregnancy affects offspring's health, including cardiovascular development and decreased birth size. Heavy metals like cadmium and chemicals from pesticides are linked to neurodevelopmental harm, depression, anxiety, and cancer risks.
• Contaminated water from heavy metals in Indian rivers poses health risks, and e-waste dismantling in India exposes children to hazardous conditions without proper regulation.

Climate Change Impacts

• Climate change exacerbates health risks, with heatwaves among the deadliest natural disasters. Reducing pollution can lower antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by addressing emissions from various sectors. Conflict, such as the war in Ukraine, displaces children, increasing mental health risks and lack of secure environments.
• Cutting air pollution improves children's lung development and reduces health disparities.

Other Issues

• Sanitation challenges persist in conflict zones, with reports rising on child mortality and displacement due to wars and natural disasters.
• A lack of diversity in environmental health sciences highlights the need for inclusive recruitment to address unique environmental challenges.
• Domestic violence during pregnancy affects babies' brain development, linking to long-term health outcomes.

Emergency Responses and Updates

• UNICEF warns of ongoing threats from conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine, where children face violence, trauma, and limited access to education.
• Recent studies and reports focus on preventing environmental toxins and improving sanitation infrastructure.

Resources and Further Engagement

• Webinars on public health practices for psychosocial recovery post-flooding.
• Newsletters and webinars from organizations like Children's Environmental Health Network (CEHN) for updates on climate and health initiatives.
• Sign up for alerts and register for upcoming events via partner organizations.