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Abstract Objective Three decades of evidence compiled by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports is clear about the unequivocal impacts of humans on the global climate system are unequivocal and the wide range of effects on natural, social, and economic systems. Studies on impacts, vulnerability, and adaptation present the current impact on health and future consequences under different climate and greenhouse gas emissions scenarios. This article discusses some of the impacts of climate change on children's health which represents one of the most vulnerable groups. Sources Evidence was sourced from recent scientific papers and reports referring to the potential impacts on children's health associated with the extreme events in Brazil observed in Brazil between 2023 and 2024 (heat waves and droughts, wildfires, and floods). Summary of the findings Besides global warming, climate change is associated with more frequent and intense extreme events such as droughts, floods, and wildfires. Children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable due to physiological characteristics, interaction with exposure factors, and because they will live longer under changing conditions. Climate change projections and the intensification of impacts for Brazil highlight the adaptation challenges related to the protection of children under a changing climate and the role of the preparation of the country's health system, educators, and parents. Conclusions The article underscores the need for collaboration among policymakers, health professionals, and educators, as well as the communities, to effectively address the adaptation challenges and build resilience to protect children against the impacts of climate change.

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Abstract Objective To assess the impact of microplastics/nanoplastics (MiP/NP) on human health. Data source The authors conducted a narrative review of articles published in English, Portuguese, French and Spanish in the last decade in the following databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE and SciELO. The keywords used in this search were: microplastics OR nanoplastics OR marine litter OR toxicology OR additives AND human health OR children OR adults. Data synthesis MiP is a group of emerging contaminants that have attracted increasing scientific interest and attention from society in the last decade due to their ubiquitous detection in all environments. Humans can be mainly exposed to MiP and NP orally, by inhalation, by dermal contact, as well as through systemic routes and cannot be neglected, especially in young children. The possible toxic effects in different systems are due to plastic particles, often combined with leachable additives and adsorbed contaminants. Conclusions Unless the plastics value chain is transformed in the next two decades, the risks to species, marine ecosystems, climate, health, economies and communities will become unmanageable. However, alongside these risks lie unique opportunities to lead the transition to a more sustainable world.

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Abstract Objective To identify and describe pollutants with carcinogenic potential that contaminate indoor and outdoor air, food and soil. Data source The descriptors environmental pollutants, occupational cancer, prevention and soil pollutants were used to conduct the research for literature review. Articles published from 2003 to 2024 in the electronic databases Pubmed Medline, Lilacs and Scielo, in Portuguese and English, were included. Summary of findings There are multiple sources of pollution in the external and internal environments, including motor vehicles, industrial facilities, smoke from tobacco products, agricultural activities, fires and domestic combustion devices. The most important pollutants related to chemical substances include all forms of asbestos, benzene, exhaust gases from gasoline engines, food and water contaminants, such as arsenic and inorganic arsenic compounds, in addition to persistent organic pollutants, such as dioxins. The use of fossil fuels and biomass for domestic heating are also important sources of pollution. The carcinogenic potential of pollutants varies according to the sources of pollution, climate conditions and the region's topography. Conclusions Global environmental pollution is an international public health problem with multiple health effects. Many environmental pollutants are proven to be carcinogenic to adults, while few causes have been scientifically established for children. Pollution is mainly caused by uncontrolled urbanization and industrialization. Preventing environmental exposure to carcinogenic pollutants requires both government regulation and community action and commitment.

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Abstract Objectives This article discusses heatwaves (HWs), their definitions, and increasing frequencies associated with climate change, as well as their effects on human health, especially on children and vulnerable groups. It emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary studies to better understand the effects of HWs and preventive actions to mitigate the effects caused by this phenomenon. Data source The data were obtained from recent studies, conducted in Brazil and abroad, on the impacts of HWs. The figures were attained with data provided by the Climate Change Knowledge Portal. Data summary HWs are periods of extreme heat, modulated by climate phenomena such as El Niño and the Pacific Decadal Oscillations. The frequency and intensity of HWs have increased since the 1950s, driven by climate change. HWs affect public health by increasing the risk of mortality from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Children are more vulnerable to problems such as fever caused by heatstroke, respiratory and kidney infections, as well as risks such as sudden infant death syndrome. Almost half of the HW episodes observed in South America in this century occurred in Brazil, mainly in socioeconomically vulnerable regions. Conclusions The increase in the number of HWs is a direct consequence of climate change and has severe impacts on public health and biodiversity. Vulnerable groups suffer more from these phenomena, and social inequalities aggravate the problems. It is essential to promote awareness, implement effective public policies and encourage interdisciplinary research to mitigate the effects of HWs on society.

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Abstract Objective This article aims to assess the impact of climate change, a reality already present on the neurodevelopment of both neurotypical and atypical children. Data sources A narrative review of the literature was carried out based on articles available in the PubMed database, published in the last five years using the keywords neurodevelopment and climate change, as well as websites of organizations dedicated to childhood such as UNICEF, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Center for Developing Childhood at Harvard University. Summary of findings Children and adolescents are more directly affected by the effects of climate change due to their developmental stage and greater vulnerability. Prolonged exposure to air pollutants can affect brain development, resulting in cognitive and behavioral problems. Extreme weather events, such as floods, cyclones, and heat waves, can destroy essential infrastructure such as schools and hospitals, interrupting the educational process and access to health care. Changes in rainfall patterns and extreme droughts can affect food production, leading to malnutrition and food insecurity. Direct experience of natural disasters can cause stress and psychological trauma, affecting children's emotional and mental well-being. Conclusions Studies clearly demonstrate the potential impact of climate change on the neurodevelopment and mental health of children and adolescents. This topic should be part of the current agenda of pediatricians, not only treating the resulting illnesses but mainly acting on the front line and supporting proposals to attenuate the environmental disaster that has already occurred.

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Abstract Objective This review discusses the impact of climate change on sleep, anxiety, and eating in the pediatric population. Data source This is a nonsystematic literature review based on a search using PubMed and MeSH terms in titles and abstracts with these keywords: climate change, sleep, greenhouse effect, children, and adolescents. Data synthesis Climate change events are associated with human intervention in the ecosystem, having a strong impact on cognitive functions, physical and mental health, as well as subjective well-being, particularly in youth. Climate change is caused by human activity with changes in the composition of the global atmosphere caused by emissions of gases, such as carbon dioxide, which increase the greenhouse effect. This review discusses the impact of climate change on sleep, anxiety, and feeding in the pediatric population. Conclusions Early detection of vulnerability conditions, along with adaptation strategies is necessary to address climate stressors with a focus on healthy sleep and eco-anxiety. Pediatrics has an important role to play in protecting healthy sleep in children.

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Abstract Objective Besides socioeconomic factors, environmental pollution, and climate change are contemporary threats to health. In this review, the authors present results from a recent comprehensive synthesis of existing research on the effects of air pollution and climate change on gestation, fetal development, and postnatal health. Data sources Findings from systematic reviews conducted over the past five years and available in PubMed were used. Summary of findings A vast and robust evidence exists on the association between air pollution exposures and negative outcomes. Gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, preeclampsia, spontaneous abortion, and maternal postpartum depression are reported. Fetal development and postnatal health are also impaired by exposures; low birth weight is a common finding from studies worldwide, but there are increased risks for malformations and impairments in neurodevelopment. While there are fewer studies on factors related to climate change, there is sufficient evidence regarding the direct and indirect effects on maternal health and fetal development. Increased risks for prematurity, low birth, and emergency room visits are associated with higher temperatures. Asthma incidence and infectious respiratory disease risks are also influenced by extreme weather events. It is essential to recognize the profound impact that environmental factors, such as air pollution and climate change can have on maternal health, fetal development, and neonatal health. Conclusion The data presented underscores the significant risks that environmental pollution poses during gestation, influencing not only maternal health but also the short- and long-term well-being of the child.

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Abstract Objective Air pollution emission associated with wildfires is a global concern, contributing to air quality deterioration and severely impacting public health. This narrative review aims to provide an overview of wildfire smoke (WFS) characteristics and associated impacts on adults’ and children's health. Data source Literature review based on a bibliographic survey in PubMed (National Library of Medicine, United States), SciELO (Scientific Electronic Library Online), and Google Scholar databases. Observational, cross-sectional, longitudinal, and review studies were considered, prioritizing peer-reviewed articles published in the last 10 years (2014-2024). Data synthesis Wildfire smoke (WFS) contributes to the deterioration of air quality, resulting in increased exposure to air pollution especially in wildland-urban interfaces. WFS contains particulate matter (PM) in a range of sizes and chemical compositions, as well as multiple toxic gasses. The health impacts of WFS are systemic, affecting the respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological systems. Exposure to WFS is associated with inflammatory and oxidative stress, DNA damage, epigenetic modulations, and stress-disorders in adults and children. Children may be at an increased risk of WFS respiratory impacts, due to their smaller airways and developing lungs. Conclusion Wildfires are increasing in frequency and intensity, resulting in thousands of premature deaths and hospitalizations worldwide, each year. Preventive measures against wildfire spread must be reinforced, considering the increasing trends of global warming and extreme weather events. Adaptation strategies should be undertaken especially in wildland-urban interface regions, including the improvement of early warning systems, improvement of health care facilities and household preparedness and promotion of risk communication campaigns.

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Abstract Objective To assess the impact of climate change and air pollution on children's respiratory health. Data source Narrative review of articles published in English, Portuguese, French, and Spanish in the last decade in the following databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE, and SciELO. The keywords used in this search were: climate changes OR air pollution OR indoor pollutants OR wildfires AND human health OR children OR exposome. Data synthesis Increases in extreme weather events, such as heat waves, forest fires, floods, droughts, hurricanes, and dust storms, put children's respiratory system health at greater risk. Conclusions The growing global increase in respiratory diseases in recent decades raises questions about the impact of environmental factors resulting from industrialization, urbanization, and climate change on the individual's exposome. Understanding it better is a key point for better treatment.

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Abstract Objectives to review scientific evidence on the impacts of pesticides on child health, addressing prenatal and postnatal exposures, acute and chronic effects. Data source narrative literature review, using databases such as PubMed, SciELO and Google Scholar. The inclusion criteria involved studies published between 2000 and 2023 that analyzed the relationship between pesticides and child health, including systematic reviews, cohort studies, case-control studies and clinical trials. The descriptors used were “pesticides,” “child health,” “prenatal exposure,” “environmental health,” and “developmental toxicity.” Data synthesis In this review, an association was observed between exposure to pesticides and the development of neurological and endocrinological diseases, childhood cancer and immunological diseases. Conclusions Pesticides represent a significant risk to children's health, with impacts ranging from neurological alterations to chronic diseases. It is essential to promote regulatory changes and encourage agricultural practices that are less dependent on chemical substances, in addition to investing in research that explores long-term impacts and mitigation strategies.

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Abstract Objectives To assess how air quality and pollutants affect the health of children and adolescents. Source of data A narrative review of recent literature was conducted using PubMed databases, focusing on studies published between 2015 and 2023. The keywords included “air pollution”, “child health”, “adolescents”, “respiratory diseases” and “cognitive development”. The studies were selected based on their relevance to the pediatric community and impacts on air quality, emphasizing original peer-reviewed research and meta-analyses. Synthesis of data Exposure to pollutants in the air during the formative and development years can lead to respiratory disorders, neurodevelopmental impairment, and exacerbated chronic conditions. This review synthesizes current evidence on the relationship between air quality and pediatric health, emphasizing the effects of specific pollutants, mechanisms of harm, and long-term implications. Conclusions From respiratory disorders to neurodevelopmental problems, air pollution, remains a widespread threat, particularly to vulnerable populations. Immediate actions at the political, community, individual, and industry levels are necessary to mitigate these risks.