Protecting Babies From Air Pollution In China

Air pollution in China is a pressing issue, with the country producing more pollutants than any other nation. This has a significant impact on the health of Chinese citizens, particularly children, who are especially vulnerable to air pollution due to their weak respiratory systems. As such, it is important to consider ways to protect babies from air pollution in China. This includes taking precautions such as staying indoors when air pollution levels are high, wearing well-fitting masks, and avoiding smoke from various sources. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, can help reduce the negative effects of air pollution on both mothers and babies.

Stay inside when air pollution levels are high

It is important to keep babies and children protected from air pollution in China, as air pollution has been linked to preterm births and infant mortality in the country. Here are some detailed suggestions on how to do this by staying inside when air pollution levels are high:

Firstly, it is crucial to monitor air quality regularly. Utilise mobile applications such as Plume or IQAir, or refer to local news, government websites, and other reliable sources to stay informed about the air quality in your area. This awareness will enable you to make informed decisions about when to stay indoors.

On days when air pollution levels are high, minimise the time spent outdoors for you and your baby. Avoid outdoor activities and limit your baby's exposure to polluted air. If going outside is unavoidable, try to plan outings during periods when air pollution levels are typically lower, such as early mornings or late evenings.

If you need to go out during peak pollution times, ensure that both you and your baby wear well-fitting masks designed to filter polluted air. Look for masks with N95 or KN95 ratings, which are effective against particulate matter. Masks with cute designs for children are available, but ensure the mask fits snugly and provides adequate protection.

When staying indoors, create a safe and healthy environment for your baby. Invest in an air purifier to improve the air quality inside your home. Additionally, maintain good ventilation by opening windows and using exhaust fans, especially when cooking or performing activities that generate fumes or smoke. If possible, opt for cleaner fuels and technologies, such as electricity, natural gas, or liquefied petroleum gas, for cooking, heating, and lighting your home.

By taking these precautions and staying indoors when air pollution levels are high, you can effectively reduce your baby's exposure to harmful pollutants and support their health and well-being.

Wear a well-fitting mask

When it comes to protecting your baby from air pollution in China, wearing a well-fitting mask is crucial. Here are some detailed instructions and considerations for this important precaution:

Firstly, it is imperative to understand the limitations of masks and the importance of a proper fit. A well-fitting mask is essential to ensure its effectiveness. Masks are designed to act as a barrier, protecting you and your baby from harmful particles in the air. However, gaps between the mask and your face can reduce their benefits, as unfiltered air can be inhaled through these openings. Therefore, it is crucial to choose a mask that fits snugly and securely, with no gaps.

When selecting a mask, opt for one with an adjustable nose clip or an adjustable design that can be customised to your face. This will help ensure a tight seal and prevent air leakage. It is also important to choose a mask with adequate ventilation and comfort, especially if you plan to wear it for extended periods or in various climates. Reusable masks are a good option, as they can reduce costs and waste, but ensure you replace the filters regularly for optimal performance.

For babies and young children, there are a few important considerations. Firstly, never use a mask on a child under the age of two. Their smaller airways can make breathing through a mask difficult, and they may not be able to remove it if they are struggling to breathe. Instead, focus on protecting them in other ways, such as keeping them at least six feet away from others when in public and covering their infant carrier with a blanket to create a barrier from pollutants.

If you are breastfeeding or holding your baby, it is recommended to wear a mask yourself. This can help prevent the spread of germs to your baby and protect them from harmful air particles. Wash your hands frequently, especially before and after touching anything related to feeding your baby, such as pumps or bottles, to further reduce the risk of infection.

Lastly, be mindful of the type of mask you choose. Cloth masks generally offer lower protection, while surgical or disposable masks provide more. The most protective options are international filtering facepiece respirators, such as KN95 or N95 respirators, which are highly effective at blocking viruses and filtering the air.

Remember, while wearing a well-fitting mask is essential, it is just one aspect of protecting your baby from air pollution in China. Stay informed about air quality levels, limit unnecessary outdoor exposure when levels are high, and consider additional precautions such as those mentioned in other sections of this guide.

Keep up with vaccinations

China's air pollution is a well-known and documented issue, with the country producing more pollutants than any other nation. This is a serious concern for parents, especially those from the growing middle class, who are now facing the consequences of rising prosperity, such as soil and water contamination and food safety scandals.

While there are some precautions you can take to protect your baby from air pollution, such as staying indoors when pollution levels are high, wearing masks, and staying away from smoke, one of the best ways to protect your baby is to keep up with their vaccinations.

In China, the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) provides free immunization services for all children under seven years old. The Chinese EPI was established with the introduction of five vaccines: Bacillus-Calmette-Guerin (BCG), the polio vaccine (PV), the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine (DTP), the measles vaccine (MV), and the diphtheria-tetanus vaccine (DT). Over the years, the Chinese EPI has expanded its coverage with the addition of new vaccines, such as the Hepatitis B vaccine (HepB) in 2002, and the Hepatitis A Vaccine (HepA), Japanese encephalitis vaccine (JEV), and measles-rubella vaccine (MR) in 2009.

It is recommended that all infants receive the BCG vaccine as soon as possible after birth, as it is currently the only available vaccine for tuberculosis prevention, and China has a high burden of tuberculosis cases. However, there have been reports of adverse events at the injection site after the BCG vaccination, which has led to some parents hesitating to have their children receive the vaccine. To address this, interventions have been proposed, such as recommending all maternity hospitals administer the BCG vaccine at birth and using a single-dose vial to reduce vaccine wastage.

In addition to the vaccines covered by the EPI, there are also non-programme vaccines available in China that can protect against childhood diseases. These include the pneumococcus (preventable by PCV13), Hib disease, rotavirus diarrhoea, and varicella disease. While these vaccines have high market prices, the Chinese government has been working to include them in the National Immunization Program to make them more accessible and affordable for citizens.

By keeping up with your baby's vaccinations, you can help protect them from serious diseases and ensure they stay healthy, even in the face of China's air pollution challenges.

Cook in well-ventilated spaces

Cooking is an important part of our daily lives, but it is also a significant source of indoor air pollution. The emission of particulate matter (PM) is a byproduct of cooking, and certain types of cooking release more particles than others. For example, frying and deep-frying release high amounts of PM and other harmful pollutants due to the high temperatures involved.

Gas stoves, especially older ones, are more likely to create carbon monoxide (CO) due to the combustion process. Without proper ventilation, CO can build up indoors and cause severe poisoning symptoms, including headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. If left untreated, breathing in large amounts of CO can cause unconsciousness and even death, as it prevents your body from receiving oxygen. Gas stoves also release other pollutants, including the known carcinogen benzene and nitrogen oxide (NOx). Exposure to high levels of NOx can lead to chronic lung disease, severe asthma symptoms, and respiratory illnesses in vulnerable individuals such as young children.

Therefore, it is crucial to cook in well-ventilated spaces to protect your baby from air pollution in China. Here are some ways to ensure proper ventilation while cooking:

• Use an exhaust fan: Install and regularly use an extractor or exhaust fan above your stovetop to remove harmful gases and particles produced during cooking. A fan that exhausts outdoors is critical to ensuring that these pollutants do not recirculate indoors.
• Open windows: If you don't have an exhaust fan, open nearby windows or doors to create a breeze and improve airflow. This simple action can help move air across the room and dilute or remove indoor contaminants.
• Maintain and service appliances: Regularly maintain and service your gas appliances, including stoves and ovens. Have them serviced at least annually to ensure they are functioning properly and to minimize the release of pollutants.
• Opt for cleaner fuels and technologies: If possible, choose cleaner fuel sources and technologies for cooking, such as electricity, natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, biogas, or solar stoves or ovens. These alternatives produce fewer emissions and are safer for indoor use.
• Cook outdoors: If ventilation is challenging or you cannot use clean fuel, consider cooking outdoors. This will help dissipate the pollutants and reduce their concentration indoors, especially if you are using a charcoal or wood-burning stove, which can contribute to indoor air pollution.
• Check air quality: Stay informed about the outdoor air quality in your area by checking local news, government websites, or apps like Plume or IQAir. This information can guide your decisions about indoor versus outdoor cooking and the need for additional precautions.

Maintain a healthy weight

Maintaining a healthy weight is important for overall health, and it can also help to protect your baby from the effects of air pollution in China. Poor health can increase susceptibility to the effects of air pollution, and air pollution itself can contribute to weight gain.

Firstly, it is important to note that air pollution is a complex issue in China, with severe degradation caused by rapid economic development. Coal combustion, in particular, is a major contributor, with China consuming 1.9 billion tons of coal annually, which accounts for nearly 70% of the nation's energy production. This has resulted in dangerous levels of air pollution, with 66 of China's 74 largest cities falling short of the government's air pollution standards.

This pervasive air pollution has been linked to various adverse health effects, including respiratory illnesses, pulmonary disease, asthma, developmental impairments, and increased risk of cancer. Evidence also suggests that air pollution can impact body weight and obesity. A study using data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey found that a 1 μg/m3 (1.54%) increase in average PM2.5 concentrations over 12 months resulted in a 0.27% increase in body mass index and a rise in overweight and obesity rates.

To maintain a healthy weight and protect your baby, it is crucial to address the impact of air pollution. Here are some strategies to consider:

• Stay informed about air quality: Regularly check the air quality in your area using local news, government websites, or mobile apps like Plume or IQAir. Being aware of air pollution levels can help you make informed decisions about outdoor activities and protective measures.
• Reduce exposure to air pollution: On days with high air pollution levels, minimize outdoor activities and stay indoors as much as possible. Ensure proper ventilation indoors by opening windows and using exhaust fans when cooking or performing other activities that produce fumes.
• Wear protective masks: When venturing outdoors, wear well-fitting masks that effectively filter out particulate matter. Look for masks with N95 or higher ratings, which can provide better protection against air pollutants.
• Maintain a balanced diet: Air pollution can impact metabolism and increase calorie intake. Focus on consuming a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats. Include vitamin C, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids, which can help support overall health and potentially provide some protection against air pollution.
• Stay active: Air pollution can reduce physical activity levels, but it is important to find ways to stay active safely. Consider indoor exercises or join a gym with good air filtration systems. If possible, travel to less polluted areas for outdoor activities or go on a lung-clearing holiday to give your body a break from the constant exposure to polluted air.
• Prioritize sleep: Air pollution can disrupt sleep, which can have negative consequences for weight management and overall health. Aim for consistent sleep schedules and create a comfortable sleeping environment with proper ventilation and air purification measures.

By incorporating these strategies into your lifestyle, you can work towards maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the potential impact of air pollution on your baby's health. It is also important to advocate for systemic changes that address the root causes of air pollution, joining local or national movements to call for policies that protect children and promote renewable energy, energy efficiency, and clean fuel technologies.

Frequently asked questions