Air Pollution's Impact: Children's Health At Risk

Air pollution is a serious issue that poses a significant threat to children's health and development. Children are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of air pollution due to their developing organs, weaker immune systems, and higher breathing rates. They are also more exposed to pollutants as they spend more time outdoors and breathe air closer to the ground, where certain pollutants are more concentrated. The impact of air pollution on children can be seen in both the short and long term, increasing hospital admissions for respiratory issues like asthma, causing premature births, and increasing the risk of chronic diseases later in life. With air pollution being the second leading risk factor for death among children under five, it is a pressing issue that demands attention and action to protect the health and future of our children.

Children breathe in more air relative to their body weight

Children are more vulnerable to the effects of air pollution than adults. One reason for this is that children breathe in more air relative to their body weight. Children breathe faster than adults, and they are also more likely to breathe in air from closer to the ground, where some pollutants are more highly concentrated. This means that children are exposed to higher levels of air pollution, which can have serious health consequences.

Children's bodies are still developing, and their immune systems are weaker than those of adults. This makes them more susceptible to the harmful effects of air pollution, which can cause respiratory infections, asthma, and other health issues. Air pollution can also affect lung function and development, which can have long-term impacts on children's health. Studies have found that children living near busy roads have reduced lung function, and are more likely to be hospitalised for asthma.

In addition to the physical health risks, air pollution can also impact children's cognitive development and neurodevelopment. It has been linked to deficits in lung function and growth, as well as exposure to ambient levels of criteria air pollutants. UNICEF identified good air quality as critical for children's development in 2015. However, funding to tackle air pollution remains sparse, with less than 1% of total official development and foundation funding spent on addressing this issue.

The effects of air pollution on children's health can be seen in both the short and long term. Short-term exposure to air pollutants has been linked to increased hospital admissions for asthma, while long-term exposure can increase the risk of developing chronic diseases later in life, such as cardiovascular disease. Air pollution was the second leading risk factor for death among children under five in 2021, after malnutrition, and it is estimated to cause over 1,200 deaths among those under 18 in EEA member and collaborating countries every year.

There are several sources of air pollution that contribute to children's exposure. These include outdoor air pollution from traffic, construction, and industrial processes, as well as indoor air pollution from building products, furnishings, and cleaning chemicals. Children in low- and middle-income countries may be particularly vulnerable to the effects of indoor air pollution, as they spend more time near cooking areas where the combustion of fossil fuels can release toxic pollutants.

Children spend more time outdoors

Children, especially young children, tend to spend more time outdoors than adults, and this has both positive and negative implications when it comes to the effects of air pollution.

On the positive side, spending time outdoors has numerous benefits for children's health and well-being. It promotes physical activity, which helps to improve cardiovascular health, strengthen bones and muscles, and prevent obesity. Outdoor play also contributes to children's social, emotional, and cognitive development. They learn to explore and interact with their environment

Children are more vulnerable to indoor air pollution

Indoor air pollution (IAP) can significantly impact children's health and well-being. Sources of IAP include building products and furnishings that release toxic chemicals, such as mineral fibres and legacy asbestos. Natural pollutants like radioactive radon, mould, and various toxic chemicals are also common contributors to IAP. These pollutants can have detrimental effects on children's health, causing respiratory infections, exacerbating asthma, and increasing the risk of developing asthma.

Moreover, children spend more time closer to the ground, where the concentrations of certain pollutants are higher. This proximity to ground-level pollutants, such as dust and vehicle exhaust, further increases their exposure to harmful substances. Children's developing immune systems are also weaker than those of adults, making them more susceptible to the harmful effects of indoor air pollution.

The impact of indoor air pollution on children's health is not limited to respiratory issues. Air pollution can also affect neurodevelopment, cognitive abilities, and brain growth. Studies have linked exposure to air pollution with an increased risk of childhood cancer, asthma, and chronic diseases later in life, such as cardiovascular disease. Poor nutrition and inadequate healthcare in lower-income countries can further exacerbate the health risks associated with indoor air pollution for children.

It is important to note that outdoor air pollution can also contribute to indoor air pollution. Sources such as traffic fumes, tobacco smoke, and chemicals can easily penetrate indoor spaces, affecting the air quality inside homes and schools. Therefore, it is crucial to address both indoor and outdoor sources of pollution to protect children's health and well-being effectively.

Air pollution affects children in the womb

Air pollution has been linked to a range of adverse health effects in children, and this is a growing concern as cities continue to expand and the global population increases. Children are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of air pollution due to their smaller, developing airways, higher minute ventilation, immature immune systems, and involvement in vigorous activities.

The effects of air pollution on unborn children have been the subject of numerous studies, which have found that exposure to air pollution in the womb can have detrimental consequences for fetal development and neonatal outcomes. Research has shown that expectant mothers exposed to environmental levels of air pollution are at greater risk of compromised pregnancies, with potential impacts on both maternal and fetal health.

One of the main effects observed in epidemiological studies is low birth weight (LBW), which is associated with increased risks for hypertension, diabetes, and metabolic disorders later in life. Prenatal exposure to air pollution has also been linked to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), prematurity, and congenital malformations. These outcomes indicate that air pollution can interfere with organ development and organogenesis during the prenatal period, affecting lung development and immune system maturation.

Additionally, in-utero exposure to air pollution has been associated with an increased risk of developing asthma in preschoolers and toddlers. A study in Boston found that girls exposed to tiny pollution particles later in pregnancy, such as the third trimester, were more likely to develop asthma, while the timing remained constant for boys. This suggests that the timing of exposure may play a role in the development of asthma.

The impact of air pollution on prenatal health underscores the importance of minimizing exposure to pollutants and improving air quality to safeguard the health of current and future generations.

Poorer children are more exposed to air pollution

Children from poorer backgrounds tend to be more exposed to and affected by air pollution than their wealthier counterparts. This is due to a variety of factors, including the socioeconomic status of their families and communities.

Firstly, children from low-income families are more likely to live in areas with higher levels of outdoor air pollution, such as near factories or major roads. They are also less likely to have access to resources like air conditioning or air filtration systems that can help reduce their exposure to pollutants. Additionally, these children are more likely to walk to school or use public transportation, which further increases their exposure to environmental factors.

Secondly, children from poorer families are more likely to be affected by indoor air pollution. This is because they are more likely to live in households that use polluting fuels for cooking, heating, and lighting, resulting in higher concentrations of indoor air pollutants. Poor ventilation and exposure to secondhand smoke can also contribute to indoor air pollution in these households.

Furthermore, children from low-income families may also face social and psychological stress due to their socioeconomic status, which can make them more susceptible to the health effects of air pollution. They may also have limited access to healthcare services, making it more difficult to manage or treat any health issues that arise from exposure to air pollution.

The cumulative impact of these factors means that children from poorer backgrounds bear a disproportionate burden when it comes to the health risks associated with air pollution. This highlights the importance of addressing socioeconomic inequalities and improving air quality, especially in vulnerable communities, to protect the health and well-being of children.

Overall, while all children are vulnerable to the effects of air pollution, those from poorer backgrounds face greater exposure and health risks due to a combination of environmental, social, and economic factors.

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