Ambient Air Pollution and Acute Respiratory Infection Among Children: A Review of Evidence from South Asia and Southeast Asia

The climate crisis intensifies air pollution, which is one of the most significant environmental health risks in South Asia (SA) and Southeast Asia (SEA). Air pollution directly contributes to the prevalence and severity of acute respiratory infections (ARIs), further contributing to morbidity and mortality among young children across the region. The review aims to summarise the current evidence on the link between air pollution and ARI among children under five within SA and SEA regions and assess environmental and socioeconomic factors that modifies the ARI risks. This chapter reports a narrative evidence synthesis from meta-analyses and systematic reviews on the link between air pollution and ARIs in children under five years. Limited studies from SA and SEA were identified. The findings revealed that exposure to particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and gaseous pollutants (sulphur dioxide (SO2), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and carbon monoxide (CO)), significantly increases ARI risks and hospitalisations. Socioeconomic disparities play a significant role in determining the health outcomes associated with exposure to air pollutants. Key recommendations for future work are outlined to guide policy initiatives in mitigating the respiratory health impacts of air pollution in the young vulnerable populations.