Air Pollution Claims 1.7 Million Children's Lives, IDAI Urges Preventive Action

The Indonesian Paediatric Society (IDAI) has revealed alarming facts about the impact of air pollution, which claims 1.7 million children’s lives globally each year. Children’s biological profile, still in the developmental stage, makes them the group most vulnerable to exposure to environmental pollutants.

Riyadi, a member of IDAI’s Environmental Health and Climate Change Task Force (KLPI), explained that out of a total of 7 million global deaths from air pollution annually, the child population accounts for a significant number. This pollution originates from vehicle emissions, industrial activity, and household pollution.

“Children are among the most vulnerable. As many as 1.7 million children die out of the 7 million people exposed to environmental factors that make them vulnerable,” Riyadi said during an IDAI seminar on Tuesday (9/6).

Of the total child deaths, Riyadi detailed that approximately 570,000 cases were triggered by acute respiratory infections, including pneumonia. This condition serves as a loud alarm for Indonesia, which currently ranks first for the highest air pollution in Southeast Asia, with South Tangerang as the city with the worst air quality.

Medically, children are more susceptible to health problems due to narrower airways, immature lungs, and an imperfect immune system. High exposure to PM 2.5 particulates during outdoor activities can trigger serious long-term airway inflammation.

Riyadi also highlighted the irony of children’s physical activity. “We expect our children to play outside, not just play with gadgets. But if the particulate matter in the air is high, that becomes a major problem for their health,” he added.

Preventive Steps to Protect Children:

IDAI stressed that protecting the environment is an absolute necessity. Synergy between schools, families, and the government is required to ensure that future generations are not threatened by environmental damage that is actually preventable.