Air Pollution's Impact On Children's Health And Development

Air pollution is a serious threat to the health of children, with 93% of the world's under-15s breathing dangerously polluted air. Children are especially vulnerable to the effects of air pollution because their bodies and brains are still developing, and they breathe more rapidly than adults, taking in more pollutants. Air pollution can harm children before they are born, with pregnant women exposed to polluted air more likely to give birth prematurely to small, low-birth-weight children. It can also impact neurodevelopment and cognitive ability, and trigger asthma and childhood cancer. Children exposed to high levels of air pollution may be at greater risk of chronic diseases such as lung disease and cardiovascular disease later in life.

Air pollution can cause respiratory infections in children

Children are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of air pollution than adults because their lungs are still developing. Their immune systems are weaker, making them more vulnerable to viruses, bacteria, and other infections. This increases the risk of respiratory infection and reduces their ability to fight it.

Young children breathe faster than adults and take in more air relative to their body weight, often through the mouth, which takes in more pollutants. They are also closer to the ground, where some pollutants reach peak concentrations.

Air pollution is linked to respiratory conditions such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and asthma. It can exacerbate underlying health conditions and harm children's physical and cognitive development.

How Air Pollution Causes Respiratory Infections in Children

Air pollution is made up of gases and particles that are released into the atmosphere. These pollutants can be released from power plants, factories, road traffic, waste management, and more.

Particulate matter (PM) is one of the main components of air pollution. PM2.5, which are particles smaller than 2.5 microns, can pass into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk of heart and respiratory diseases, strokes, and lung cancer.

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is another major component of air pollution. Exposure to NO2 can cause lung inflammation and increase susceptibility to infections.

Ozone (O3) is formed from the reaction between nitrogen oxide and reactive hydrocarbons, often emitted from motor vehicles and industrial activities. O3 can cause airway inflammation and bronchospasm and repeated exposure can lead to permanent lung damage.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a harmful gas that can interfere with oxygenation in the body.

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a pollutant that can dissolve in water and form acid, contributing to acid rain.

Protecting Children from Air Pollution

• Monitor air quality and try to reduce time spent in areas with high pollution, especially near sources of industrial pollution or congested traffic.
• When air pollution is extreme, keep children indoors.
• Use cleaner fuels and technologies for cooking, heating, and lighting.
• Ensure good ventilation in the home by opening windows and using exhaust fans.
• Keep pregnant women and children away from smoke.
• Be aware of common sources of indoor contaminants, such as building and paint products, cleaning supplies, and household chemicals.
• Install air purifiers with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters.
• Promote healthy diets and lifestyles to reduce the overall impact of air pollution on children.
• Educate children about air pollution and its risks, and encourage them to participate in environmental activities.
• Support policies and initiatives that aim to reduce air pollution and protect children's health.

It can also lead to asthma and other respiratory conditions

Air pollution can have a detrimental impact on a child's respiratory health, and can lead to the development of asthma and other respiratory conditions. Children are more vulnerable to the effects of air pollution as their lungs are not yet fully developed, and they breathe in more air (and therefore more pollutants) in proportion to their size than adults. Their still-developing immune systems are also less equipped to fight off infections.

The Southern California Children's Health Study found that teenagers who grew up in communities with higher levels of air pollution had decreased lung development. This decrease was comparable to that of children raised by parents who smoke. Poor air quality can therefore lead to lifelong reduced lung capacity, with children from polluted areas more likely to suffer from asthma and other respiratory issues.

Children are also more likely to spend time outdoors, increasing their exposure to air pollution. They are also often closer to the ground or at face level with car exhausts and cigarettes, whether they are walking or in a pram or buggy, which further increases their exposure to pollutants.

The effects of air pollution on respiratory health can be long-lasting. Children who have been exposed to high levels of air pollution may be at greater risk of developing chronic diseases such as lung disease and cardiovascular disease later in life.

Air pollution affects children's physical development, including their lungs and brains

Air pollution can have a detrimental impact on children's physical development, including their lungs and brains. Children are more vulnerable to the effects of air pollution than adults due to their developing organs and unique behaviours. Here are some ways in which air pollution affects their physical development:

Lungs

Air pollution can affect lung development and function, increasing the risk of respiratory infections and diseases. Children breathe more air per unit of body weight than adults and tend to be mouth breathers, increasing their exposure to pollutants. Their immature immune systems also make them more susceptible to infections. Pollutants can cause oxidative stress and lung injuries, leading to asthma and other respiratory issues. Exposure to air pollution during pregnancy can also impact lung development in the womb, resulting in premature births and low birth weight.

Brains

Air pollution has been linked to cognitive developmental issues in children. Pollutants can affect the protective barrier surrounding the brain, which is not yet fully developed. Exposure to air pollution during critical periods of brain development can have irreversible effects on cognitive abilities.

Overall Health

Air pollution is associated with adverse health outcomes, including increased risk of morbidity and mortality in children. It contributes to respiratory infections, asthma, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Children exposed to high levels of air pollution may face chronic health issues later in life.

Behaviour

Air pollution can also impact children's behaviour and development. For example, when children get sick due to air pollution, they may miss school, limiting their learning and development. Additionally, children who are aware of the risks of air pollution may become passionate about environmental issues and climate change.

It can cause preterm birth and low birth weight

Air pollution is associated with a range of adverse health outcomes in children, including respiratory issues, vitamin D deficiency, and immune system alterations. Children are especially vulnerable to the effects of air pollution due to their developing lungs

Air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of childhood cancer

Another review of the evidence from the last decade found that prenatal and postnatal exposure to indoor and outdoor air pollution and pesticides seemed to be positively associated with childhood cancer risks, including leukaemia, central nervous system cancer, Wilms tumour, and other rare childhood cancers. The review also found that the type of cancer with the most positive associations was Wilms tumour and other rare tumours, and the type of cancer with the lowest percentage of positive associations was leukaemia.

A 2019 study found that children who live near major roads are at higher risk for developmental delays because of traffic-related pollutants. The study also found that children born to women exposed to higher levels of traffic-related pollutants during pregnancy had a small but significantly higher likelihood of developmental delays during infancy and early childhood.

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