WHO Says Environmental Hazards Kill Millions of Children

The World Health Organization says, when it comes to the dangers posed by enviromental hazards, children are far more vulnerable than adults.

The WHO report, compiled by a group of scientific experts from 18 countries, says four million children under age five die each year because of polluted air and water and exposure to various kinds of chemicals.

An environmental medical expert for WHO, Jenny Pronczuk, says children become susceptible" class="hjdict" word="susceptible" target=_blank>susceptible to environmental hazards from conception" class="hjdict" word="conception" target=_blank>conception.

WHO says environmental hazards can cause miscarriage, still birth, low birth weight and birth defects. There is emerging evidence, according to the report, that exposure to environmental chemicals during childhood can increase the risk of certain diseases in adults, such as cancer and heart disease.

Because of the susceptible and vulnerable nature of the fetus, Dr. Pronczuk says it is important that prospective " class="hjdict" word="prospective " target=_blank>prospective fathers, as well as mothers, try to protect themselves from environmental risks.

The World Health Organization says Africa is the region with the most environmentally related diseases, followed by parts of Southeast Asia.