Childhood Health: Air Pollution's Impact

Air pollution is one of the greatest threats to children's health. Children are more vulnerable to the adverse health effects of air pollution than adults because their bodies and organs are still developing, and they have weaker immune systems. They also breathe more rapidly than adults, taking in more air relative to their body weight, and they are closer to the ground, where some pollutants reach peak concentrations.

Children exposed to air pollution may suffer from respiratory infections, asthma, and other health issues. They are also at greater risk of developing chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease later in life. In 2021, air pollution was the second leading risk factor for death among children under five globally, after malnutrition.

Children's airways are smaller and still developing

Children are more vulnerable to the effects of air pollution because their airways are smaller and still developing. They breathe more rapidly than adults, which means they absorb more pollutants. Their lungs are not yet fully developed, and their natural biological defences are less developed. Their nasal passages are also not as effective at filtering out pollutants.

Children's airways are more easily restricted or blocked by pollutants. Their lungs are still growing, and exposure to air pollution can cause long-term damage, with their lung function potentially impaired as they grow older.

Children breathe in more air relative to their body weight, and their proximity to the ground means they are closer to sources of pollution like dust and vehicle exhaust. Their developing brains and bodies are more susceptible to harm from pollutants, and their immune systems are immature.

The effects of air pollution on children's airways can be severe and long-lasting. Their smaller, developing airways are more susceptible to irritation and damage, and the impact on their lung function can be permanent.

Children breathe more rapidly than adults

Children are more susceptible to the effects of air pollution than adults for a variety of reasons, one of which is that they breathe more rapidly than adults. This means that children absorb more pollutants, which puts their health and development at serious risk.

Children's respiratory rates are higher than those of adults, and what is considered "normal" varies with age. Newborns typically have a faster breathing rate than older children, with a normal respiratory rate of 30 to 60 breaths per minute. This rate gradually decreases as children grow older, but children under 12 years of age still have a higher respiratory rate than adults, typically around 30 breaths per minute.

The faster breathing rate in children is due to their smaller body size and developing lungs. Children's lungs are not yet fully developed, and their bodies require relatively more oxygen to sustain their vital functions. As a result, children breathe more rapidly, taking in a greater volume of air per minute than adults.

The higher respiratory rate in children has important implications for their exposure to air pollution. When children spend time outdoors, their faster breathing rate during physical activity increases their relative exposure to air pollutants. This is further exacerbated by the fact that children tend to spend more time outdoors and are more physically active than adults.

Additionally, children's natural biological defences are less developed, making them more vulnerable to the harmful effects of inhaled pollutants. Their nasal passages are less effective at filtering out pollutants, and their immune and metabolic systems are still developing. As a result, pollutants can have a more significant impact on their health.

In summary, children's faster breathing rate, combined with their developing physiological systems and unique activity patterns, makes them more vulnerable to the harmful effects of air pollution. This highlights the importance of taking steps to minimise children's exposure to polluted air, such as locating schools and playgrounds away from major sources of air pollution.

Children spend more time outdoors

Children are more vulnerable to air pollution than adults because they spend more time outdoors. Spending time outdoors is essential for a child's development, as it improves their social and cognitive abilities, increases physical activity, and enhances their vision. However, the allure of technology has resulted in children spending more time indoors, which is detrimental to their health.

Children who play outside are happier, more attentive, and less anxious than those who spend more time indoors. Outdoor play also builds confidence and promotes creativity and imagination. It teaches children responsibility and gets them moving, which is beneficial for their bodies and makes them more focused.

According to a survey, three-quarters of UK children spend less time outdoors than prison inmates. A fifth of the children did not play outside at all on an average day. Experts warn that active play is vital for children's health and development, but parents' fears, lack of green spaces, and the allure of digital technology are causing youngsters to lead enclosed lives.

Children are closer to the ground, near car exhausts

Children are more vulnerable to air pollution than adults because they are closer to the ground, near car exhausts. This means they are exposed to higher concentrations of certain pollutants, especially from traffic exhausts.

Children's airways are smaller and still developing, and they breathe more rapidly than adults, so they take in more polluted air. They are also more likely to put their hands and toys in their mouths, increasing the ingestion of harmful substances.

Children's natural biological defences are less developed, and the protective barrier surrounding the brain is not fully formed. Their nasal passages are also less effective at filtering out pollutants.

Young children are therefore at risk of several health issues, including their lungs not working as well as they grow older, developing asthma, lung cancer, and infections like pneumonia.

Children are more vulnerable to indoor air pollution

Children's developing bodies and immune systems make them more susceptible to the harmful effects of indoor air pollution. Their lungs, immune systems, and metabolic systems are still maturing, leaving them more vulnerable to pollutants. Additionally, the protective barrier surrounding their brains is not yet fully developed, and their nasal passages are less effective at filtering out harmful substances.

Behavioural patterns also contribute to children's increased vulnerability. They often spend more time outdoors and are more physically active, resulting in higher exposure to outdoor air pollution. Furthermore, certain indoor environments, such as schools and kindergartens, can have poor indoor air quality due to the use of cleaning chemicals, painting, and inadequate ventilation. This can lead to increased exposure to pollutants for children who spend significant time in these settings.

To protect children from the harmful effects of indoor air pollution, it is essential to implement measures such as improving ventilation, using low-emission cleaning products, and reducing the use of toxic chemicals. It is also crucial to address outdoor air pollution sources near schools and playgrounds, as children spend considerable time in these areas. Overall, a comprehensive approach that considers both indoor and outdoor sources of air pollution is necessary to safeguard children's health.

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