Translating evidence into action

A safe, healthy and protective environment is key to ensuring that children grow and develop normally. Harmful exposures can start in the womb, as a number of chemicals and pollutants can travel across the placenta from mother to fetus, with potential effects on child development which may not be visible at birth.

Children ingest more food and water and breath more air in relation to their size than an adult.  As such, they are particularly vulnerable to air pollution, hazardous chemicals, endocrine disruptors, climate change stressors, radiation, and unsafe water, sanitation and hygiene. However, these windows of vulnerability are also windows of opportunity for future healthier lives. 

WHO works with partners to develop technical information and advocacy publications on how environmental exposure impacts children, on how these impacts can be dealt with, and how to prevent exposure to these hazards.