Imagine a child gasping for air, their small chest heaving with each labored breath, their eyes wide with panic. This is the reality for childhood asthma, a chronic respiratory disease that inflames and narrows the airways, turning each breath into a battle. While genetics and allergies play a role, air pollution is a significant and often overlooked trigger, exacerbating this already challenging condition.

As our planet warms and unsustainable practices continue, air quality deteriorates. Rising temperatures create ideal conditions for ground-level ozone which forms a harmful component of smog. Wildfires, exacerbated by drought and heat, release massive amounts of smoke and particulate matter that travel long distances, blanketing communities in a haze of harmful pollutants. These pollutants, including nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), irritate children's sensitive airways, triggering asthma attacks and worsening existing respiratory conditions.

The consequences are devastating. Individuals who suffers from childhood asthma misses school, struggle to play, and face increased hospitalizations. Their developing lungs, still in their crucial growth phase, may suffer long-term damage, impacting their health and well-being throughout their lives . In some cases, asthma attacks can be fatal.

Sadly, the burden of this silent struggle falls disproportionately on vulnerable communities. Children living in poverty, often residing in areas with higher pollution levels and limited access to healthcare, are at greater risk. This creates a vicious cycle where air pollution continues to harm children’s health, while the immediate needs of a crisis overshadow the importance of tackling pollution.

is highlighted by Nivaran Foundation, and explores how air pollution as a consequence of global conflict is adversely affecting children's health. This inequity demands our attention and action. A study by the EPA found that African American adolescents are particularly vulnerable to the effects of air pollution, experiencing respiratory changes even at low levels of ozone.

The science behind this vulnerability is clear. Children breathe more rapidly than adults, taking in more air relative to their body weight. Their airways are narrower, and their immune systems are still developing, making them more susceptible to the harmful effects of pollutants. Exposure to air pollution in early childhood can hinder lung development and increase the risk of developing asthma later in life.

The

is committed to breaking this cycle of suffering. We work tirelessly to:

• Raise awareness: Educating communities about the link between air pollution, climate change, and child health, empowering them to make informed choices and advocate for change.

• Promote clean air initiatives: Advocating for policies that reduce emissions, promote sustainable transportation, and transition to cleaner energy sources.

• Provide access to healthcare: Supporting programs that ensure children with childhood asthma receive the necessary care, including access to medication, education, and clean air shelters.

• Empower communities: Working with local partners to create healthier environments for children, including green spaces and community health programs.

Every child deserves to breathe clean air and live a healthy life. By supporting the

, you can help us protect children from the silent struggle of asthma and create a brighter future for all. Join us in our mission to ensure every child has the chance to thrive. Your donation can make a difference.