Disease in children can be attributed to environmental factors - WHO
Over 30% of the global burden of disease in children can be attributed to environmental factors , the World Health Organization (WHO) disclosed in their first ever report highlighting children's special susceptibility to harmful chemical exposures at different periods of their growth .
The new WHO study said that air and water contaminants, pesticides in food, lead in soil as well as many other environmental threats which alter the delicate organism of a growing child may cause or worsen disease and induce developmental problems .
The vulnerability of children is increased in degraded and poor environments . Neglected and malnourished children suffer the most . These children, according to the WHO study often live in unhealthy housing, lack clean water and sanitation services, and have limited access to health care and education .
Children have different susceptibilities during different life stages, due to their dynamic growth and developmental processes .
WHO cited in their study that health effects resulting from developmental exposures prenatally and at birth include miscarriage, still birth, low birth weight and birth defects in young children, infant mortality, asthma, neurobehavioural and immune impairment and in adolescents, precocious or delayed puberty . Emerging evidence suggests that an increased risk of certain diseases in adults such as cancer and heart disease can result in part from exposures to certain environmental chemicals during childhood .
WHO said that the central focus of this new study is on the child including developing embryo, fetus, infant and adolescent, and the need to have a good understanding of the interactions between exposure, biological susceptibility, and socio-economic and nutritional factors at each stage of a child's development .
The work, WHO said, was undertaken by an Advisory group of 24 scientific experts, representing 18 countries, and convened to provide insight, expertise, and guidance, and to ensure scientific accuracy and objectivity .
The scientific principles proposed in the document for evaluating environmental health risks in children will help the health sector, researchers and policy makers to protect children of all ages through improved risk assessments, appropriate interventions and focused research to become healthy adults, the WHO press report disclosed.(T . Villavert/PIA)