A recent research by the European Union (EU) Environmental Agency has found that air pollution still causes more than 1,200 premature deaths per year among the population below the age of 18 across Europe.

The study was conducted across over 30 countries in Europe of which 27 are members of the European Union. But the level of air pollution is still way above the World Health Organization’s recommended guidelines despite recent improvements.

It also showed that the population level is significantly high in central-eastern Europe and Italy.

Meanwhile, the report did not cover major industrial countries in Europe including the United Kingdom, Russia and Ukraine which means the annual death rate may be higher.

A report by the EU environmental agency said air pollution caused more than 238,000 premature deaths among the population in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and Turkey and member countries of the European Union in 2020 alone.

This recent report was focused primarily on children and reached a conclusion that more than 1,200 still died from exposure to air pollutants as authorities are being urged to improve air quality around schools and nurseries as well as sports facilities and mass transport hubs.

“Air pollution causes over 1,200 premature deaths per year in people under the age of 18 in Europe and significantly increases the risk of disease later in life,” the European Union environmental agency said.

It added: “Although the number of premature deaths in this age group is low relative to the total for the European population estimated by EEA each year, deaths early in life represent a loss of future potential and come with a significant burden of chronic illness, both in childhood and later in life.”

“After birth, ambient air pollution increases the risk of several health problems, including asthma, reduced lung function, respiratory infections and allergies,” the report noted.