By Dr. César Chelala

November 20, 2018 "Information Clearing House" -   Millions of children die every year as a result of environment-related diseases. Their deaths could be prevented by using low-cost and sustainable tools and strategies for improving the environment. In some countries, more than one-third of the disease burden could be prevented by environmental changes.

According to a World Health Organization (WHO) study carried out in 23 countries, more than 10 percent of deaths are due to unsafe water and indoor air pollution, particularly from solid fuel used for cooking. On a mission for the Pan American Health Organization in Panama, to assess and document the effect of pesticides on children’s health, I was able to see the negative effects of pesticides in the environment and on the soil on children’s well-being.

Children make up almost half the population of developing countries. Most of the deaths are among children under five and are attributable mainly to intestinal and respiratory infections. People living in industrialized countries are also affected by environmental factors such as pollution, occupational factors, ultraviolet radiation, and climate and ecosystem changes.