Pediatricians call for measures to protect children from air pollution

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) is calling on the UK government to take stronger measures to protect children from the serious health damage caused by air pollution.

In an updated statement1 The college highlighted the latest scientific evidence showing the impact of poor air quality on children's health. It said the Westminster government and local authorities must take action to tackle the sources of two of the most harmful pollutants: fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) and nitrogen dioxide.

PM_2.5 can be inhaled deep into the lungs and absorbed into the bloodstream, affecting children's developing organs, aggravating respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and increasing the likelihood of developing long-term…