Air pollution in childhood linked to poorer health in late adolescence

New evidence from CNC shows that members of your generation who grew up in areas with higher levels of air pollution were more likely to report worse health at age 17.

Researchers from University College London found teens from ethnic minority backgrounds and deprived neighbourhoods were particularly at risk of being exposed to high levels of air pollution during childhood, with potential long-term impacts on their health.

What we asked you

Over the years, you and your family have regularly updated us about where you are living. The researchers used air pollution records to determine air quality in your local areas over time.

To understand the relationship between air pollution and health, they then compared this information with what you said about your general health at age 17.

The research looked at the impact of different air pollutants on people’s health, including tiny particles made up from various chemical compounds and materials, some of which are toxic; and nitrogen dioxide, which is a gas produced mostly by cars, buses and lorries.

What the researchers found

Children were particularly sensitive to the negative impacts of air pollution during their early years. Those in your generation exposed to higher levels of air pollution at ages 2-4 had a 15-30% higher risk of reporting worse health at age 17. At ages 5-7 the link was weaker with a 14-16% higher risk.

The study’s findings showed stark inequalities in children’s exposure to air pollution. Individuals from ethnic minority families and disadvantaged homes were much more likely to grow up in neighbourhoods with poor air quality.

For example, non-white children were exposed to 51% higher nitrogen dioxide levels than their white counterparts during their early years.

The researchers explained that as ethnic minority children tended to be exposed to poorer air quality, a higher percentage would most likely suffer from worse general health in adolescence.

Why this research matters

Children’s early years are vitally important for their health and development. This research confirms there is a sensitive window when children are more vulnerable to air pollution with long-lasting impacts on their general health.

Despite air pollution levels dropping significantly in the UK in the past 20 years, government policies to improve air quality should aim to reduce emissions and increase greenspaces, prioritising children and families living in the most disadvantaged neighbourhoods.

Media coverage 

The Guardian – Early air pollution exposure affects health in adolescence, study finds

Read the full research paper

‘The relationship between early life course air pollution and general health in adolescence in the United Kingdom’ by Gergo Baranyi, Katie Harron, Youchen Shen, Kees de Hoogh and Emla Fitzsimons is available on the Scientific Reports website.