Global Pediatrics · Published 2026-06-24 · DOI 10.1016/j.gpeds.2026.100358
Roberta Romano, Mayla Sgrulletti, Manuela Cortesi, Gloria Mantuano, Viviana Moschese
Children exhibit unique biological and developmental susceptibility to environmental exposures, characterized by rapid growth, immature organ systems, and a proportionally higher pollutant intake per unit of body weight. Compared to adults, their capacity for detoxification is limited, and the developing brain and immune systems are particularly prone to neurotoxic and inflammatory harms during critical windows of growth. This comprehensive review aims to synthesize current evidence on current and emerging environmental threats for the design of effective strategies for pediatric health policy and clinical practice. The diverse health impacts from key hazards, including outdoor and household air pollution, chemical contaminants, and water quality issues are discussed. Attention is also given to novel stressors such as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), microplastics (MPs), and nanoplastics (NPs), as well as the multifaceted threats posed by climate change. Exposure to these factors is robustly linked to a wide spectrum of pediatric morbidities, notably acute respiratory infections, asthma, impaired neurodevelopment, and cardiometabolic disorders. Critically, this health burden is highly inequitable, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations, particularly those in low- and middle-income settings. The safeguard of children's health requires urgent, evidence-based, child-centered prevention strategies and robust intersectoral collaboration to mitigate these pervasive global challenges.
Abstract from DOAJ. Public domain (CC0 1.0).
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Romano, R., Sgrulletti, M., Cortesi, M., et al. (2026). Environmental determinants of child health: present challenges and future outlook. Global Pediatrics. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gpeds.2026.100358