Risk identification and supportive environment construction forpromoting child and adolescent health development from an environmental exposure perspective

Abstract

Children and adolescents represent a uniquely vulnerable population because this life stage is characterized by rapid somatic growth, maturation of organ systems, and the establishment of behavioral patterns. Consequently, their health may be particularly susceptible to changes in the external environment. In recent years, the field has moved beyond the assessment of isolated environmental hazards toward a broader recognition that health effects are shaped by complex interactions across multiple exposures. Increasing attention has therefore been directed to both social and natural environmental determinants, including air pollution, environmental endocrine-disrupting chemicals, artificial light at night, the built environment, and residential greenness. Accumulating evidence suggests that air pollutants are associated not only with impaired lung function and elevated blood pressure, but also with early-life risks of obesity and metabolic syndrome. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals may alter pubertal timing through interference with neuroendocrine pathways. Artificial light at night may further increase obesity risk by disrupting sleep and circadian regulation. In contrast, exposure to green space and supportive built environments may confer health benefits by reducing pollution exposure, promoting physical activity, and alleviating psychological stress. Accordingly, the promotion of environmental health in children should shift from the control of single risk factors to an integrated strategy targeting multiple exposures. Health impact assessments for children should be embedded across urban planning, school construction, family-based care, and public health policy. Such efforts are needed to create safe, green, low-pollution, activity-promoting, and socially supportive environments for healthy growth and development.

Keywords

environmental exposures / children and adolescents / air pollution / endocrine-disrupting chemicals / green space / artificial light at night / health promotion