Public awareness of the impact of air quality on health is increasing worldwide. Indoor and outdoor air
pollutants impair children’s growing lungs, and increase the risk of respiratory infections. In many cities,
children face indoor air pollution from fuels used for cooking and heating, as well as outdoor pollution from
vehicle exhausts. Research identifies at-risk groups and seeks to establish biological plausibility for the
associations already observed; and looks towards identifying the harmful pollutants that are responsible for
respiratory morbidity and mortality. These findings may then serve to influence public debate and future
policy at national and international level to improve air quality in cities, and improve children’s health.