Protecting Children From Breathing Polluted Air

Air pollution is a public health emergency and one of the greatest threats to children's health. In 2021, air pollution was the second leading risk factor for death among children under five globally, after malnutrition. It is linked to respiratory infections, asthma, pneumonia, cognitive developmental issues, and lifelong health problems. Children are more vulnerable to the effects of air pollution because they breathe faster than adults, inhaling more air per kilogram of body weight, and their nasal passages are less effective at filtering pollutants. They also tend to spend more time outdoors and breathe air closer to the ground, where pollutants reach peak concentrations. Here are some ways to prevent children from breathing polluted air and protect their health.

How to prevent children from breathing polluted air

Check daily air quality and plan outdoor activities accordingly

Air pollution is a serious threat to children's health. Children are more vulnerable to the effects of air pollution because they are smaller and breathe faster than adults, inhaling more air per kilogram of body weight. Their nasal passages are also less effective at filtering pollutants, and they tend to breathe air closer to the ground that contains higher concentrations of certain pollutants. As their bodies are still growing, air pollution can damage their developing lungs, brains, and overall health, leading to lifelong issues.

Therefore, it is important to check the daily air quality and plan outdoor activities accordingly. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a system that warns the public about dangerous levels of air pollution. The AQI tracks ozone (smog) and particle pollution, along with four other common air pollutants: Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), Carbon Monoxide (CO), and tiny particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10). The AQI values are measured on a scale from 0 to 500, with 0 representing perfect air quality and values above 100 indicating unhealthy air that may be harmful to health.

You can find the daily AQI for your area through various sources, such as local radio, TV weather reports, newspapers, or weather apps on your phone. Websites like WAQI.info provide real-time air quality data for over 10,000 stations worldwide, and AirNow.gov offers maps with current AQI information for the United States. By checking these sources, you can make informed decisions about planning outdoor activities for your children.

On days with high air pollution levels, consider limiting your child's outdoor exposure, especially if they are young, have respiratory conditions, or live near busy roads or industrial areas. You can also encourage your children to participate in indoor activities or join campaigns for clean air, such as UNICEF's Voices of Youth community. Additionally, support local initiatives that promote clean air and safe playing areas for children, such as traffic restrictions around schools and the development of pollution-free zones. By staying informed and taking proactive measures, you can help reduce your child's exposure to polluted air and protect their health.

Reduce indoor pollution with filters and air purifiers

Air pollution is a significant threat to children's health, with 99% of people worldwide living in places where the air is deemed unhealthy. Children, with their developing lungs and brains, are especially vulnerable to air pollution. Their immune systems are weaker than adults, making them more susceptible to infections and viruses. They also breathe faster than adults, taking in more air relative to their body weight, and often through the mouth, which increases their intake of pollutants.

To protect children from indoor air pollution, it is essential to reduce indoor pollution sources and improve indoor air quality. Here are some ways to reduce indoor pollution with filters and air purifiers:

• Use air purifiers: Portable air purifiers can effectively clean the air indoors, especially when outdoor air quality is poor. They can help reduce the spread of airborne germs, which is crucial in the context of COVID-19 and other viruses.
• Maintain air filters: Keeping air filters well-maintained and regularly changed is essential. Air filters help capture pollutants and improve indoor air quality. Look for HEPA filters with a rating of at least MERV 17 for superior performance.
• Improve ventilation: Increasing ventilation by opening windows or using exhaust fans can help reduce indoor air pollution by diluting and removing pollutants.
• Address moisture issues: Moisture from flooding, leaks, or high humidity can promote the growth of mould, dust mites, allergens, and toxins. Addressing these issues can reduce potential respiratory irritants.
• Be cautious of gas appliances: Gas stoves, space heaters, and other combustion appliances can emit carbon monoxide, a dangerous gas. Ensure proper ventilation and functioning of these appliances to mitigate risks.
• Consider HVAC upgrades: Upgrading your home's HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system can significantly improve indoor air quality. Heat pumps, for example, are more energy-efficient than traditional HVAC systems and can enhance air quality.

By implementing these measures, you can effectively reduce indoor pollution and create a healthier environment for your children. Remember that every small change can make a noticeable difference in improving the air quality in your home.

Wear masks to filter toxic particles when outdoors

It is important to take steps to protect children from breathing in polluted air, as it can have serious health consequences. One way to do this is by wearing masks that filter out toxic particles when outdoors.

Wearing a well-fitted mask is crucial to ensuring that your child is protected from harmful pollutants. Masks like the N95 variety are designed to create a seal around the mouth, preventing dirty air from being breathed in from the sides. These masks are more expensive but offer better protection. Pediatricians can advise on child-fitting N95 masks. However, it is important to note that these masks may make breathing more difficult, so they might not be suitable for children with respiratory issues.

When choosing a mask, look for one that filters out particulate matter, which includes dust, dirt, and smoke. These particles can be suspended in the air for long periods and pose significant health risks, especially to children. Their smaller bodies and faster breathing rates mean they absorb more pollutants, which can lead to respiratory and cardiovascular issues, as well as mental health conditions.

While masks can provide some protection, they are not a perfect solution. Regular exposure to smaller particles in the air will still pose health risks, even when wearing a mask. Therefore, it is essential to combine mask-wearing with other measures, such as reducing outdoor strenuous activity on high pollution days, staying away from highly polluted areas, and making broader changes to reduce pollution exposure, like switching to electric cars and appliances.

In addition to wearing masks, it is important to address the root causes of air pollution. Transitioning to clean, renewable energy sources and reducing emissions from fossil fuels can help improve air quality for everyone.

Reduce personal carbon footprint by using public transport, walking or biking

Air pollution is one of the greatest threats to children's health. It is linked to respiratory infections and other diseases that account for 15% of all under-five deaths. Children are especially vulnerable to air pollution as their immune systems are weaker than adults, making them more susceptible to infections and viruses. Their developing lungs and brains are also at risk of damage from the toxic particles in polluted air.

One way to reduce your child's exposure to polluted air is to reduce your personal carbon footprint. This can be done by using public transport, walking, or biking, which will help to reduce air pollution and improve the air quality in your community. Using public transportation instead of driving a car can save up to 30% of carbon dioxide emissions and reduce congestion. In the US, public transportation saves 37 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually. Even a moderate increase in bicycle use can save an estimated 6 to 14 million tons of carbon dioxide per year.

Walking or biking just one day a week can substantially reduce your carbon footprint. Those who switch one trip per day from driving to cycling can reduce their carbon footprint by about 0.5 tonnes over a year. Active mobility significantly lowers carbon footprints, even in European cities that already have a high incidence of walking and cycling.

In addition to reducing your carbon footprint, using public transportation, walking, or biking can also provide health benefits for you and your child. It can encourage you and your child to get more exercise and spend more time outdoors, which is especially important for children's development.

Support local green initiatives and raise awareness about air pollution

Air pollution is a public health emergency, and children are among the most vulnerable to its effects. They breathe faster than adults, inhaling more air per kilogram of body weight, and their nasal passages are less effective at filtering pollutants. As children grow, air pollution can damage their developing lungs, bodies, and brains, leading to irreversible, long-term health issues.

To protect children from breathing in polluted air, it is crucial to support local green initiatives and raise awareness about air pollution. Here are some ways to do that:

• Get Informed and Educate Others: Understand the issue and the specific challenges faced by your community. Share information with family, friends, and neighbours, especially those who may not have access to the same resources as you. You can use online resources, such as the BreatheLife campaign website and newsletter, to stay informed about global initiatives and best practices.
• Support Grassroots Organisations: Look for local community groups, non-profit organisations, and grassroots initiatives working to improve air quality. These groups often need volunteers and donations to support their work. For example, you can look into groups like Green Yatra in Mumbai, which raises awareness about air pollution and addresses related issues.
• Encourage Youth Participation: Involve young people in environmental activities and initiatives. UNICEF's Voices of Youth community and the Breathe Life 2030 global campaign are excellent resources for young people to learn about air pollution and take action.
• Promote Clean Transport: Advocate for cleaner forms of transportation in your community. This could include supporting campaigns for improved public transportation, the development of bike lanes, and the promotion of walking initiatives. These measures help reduce vehicle emissions and improve air quality.
• Address School Environments: Work with local schools to establish pollution-free zones and safe play areas for children. Encourage schools to implement rules on traffic and smoking bans in and around school premises. Ensure proper ventilation in classrooms and raise awareness among students about the importance of clean air.
• Collaborate with Local Authorities: Engage with local government officials, health authorities, and policymakers to advocate for policies that reduce air pollution. Strengthening public transport, limiting industrial emissions, and enforcing air quality standards are some areas where local governments can take action.
• Share Personal Stories: Personal stories can be a powerful tool for raising awareness and influencing decision-makers. Consider sharing your experiences and concerns about air pollution with local media outlets, community platforms, or through social media. You can also support campaigns like 'Our Children's Air', which collects stories from parents worldwide to highlight the impact of air pollution on children's health.

By taking these actions, you can help support local green initiatives, raise awareness about air pollution, and contribute to creating a healthier environment for children to grow and thrive.

Frequently asked questions