Effect of air pollution on children

Air pollution is a major threat to child health. Children are particularly vulnerable to the damaging effects of air pollution because their lungs are growing and their innate defences against inhaled pollutants may be impaired. This review focuses on the effects of ‘outdoor’ pollutants from combustion of fossil fuels, but it is important to note that air pollution from the combustion of biomass fuels in or near homes is one of the most important global environmental threats to child health.