Children are particularly vulnerable to air pollution, from when they are in the womb to when they reach adulthood.
Air pollution can have a significant impact on a child's health, development, and overall well-being. Children are more vulnerable to the effects of air pollution than adults because their lungs are still developing and they breathe more air per pound of body weight than adults.
Exposure to air pollution can increase the risk of respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia in children. It can also lead to decreased lung function, which can affect a child's athletic abilities and overall physical activity level.
In addition to respiratory problems, air pollution has also been linked to developmental & cognitive issues in children.
Exposure to air pollution during pregnancy & early childhood has been associated with lower ISQ scores ,attention deficit disorder & behavioral problems.
Tips to prevent air pollution problems in children:
1. Reduce exposure: Limit children's exposure to outdoor air pollution, especially during times of high pollution. This can include limiting outdoor activities on days with poor air quality and avoiding high-traffic areas or industrial zones.
2. Create smoke-free environments: Ensure that indoor spaces, such as homes and cars, are smoke-free. Exposure to secondhand smoke can significantly harm a child's respiratory health.
3. Promote clean energy sources: Support and advocate for the use of clean and renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, instead of fossil fuels. This reduces the emission of pollutants from power plants that can contribute to air pollution.
4 Encourage active transportation: Promote walking, biking, or using public transportation for commuting to reduce the number of vehicles on the road and the associated emissions. This can also help improve children's overall health and physical activity levels.
5. Plant trees and green spaces: Promote the planting of trees and the creation of green spaces in urban areas. Trees help absorb pollutants and improve air quality.
6. Improve indoor air quality: Ensure good ventilation in buildings, use high-efficiency air filters, and avoid indoor pollutants such as tobacco smoke, chemical cleaning products, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
7. Support clean air policies: Advocate for strong regulations and policies that aim to reduce air pollution. This can include stricter emissions standards for vehicles and industrial sources, as well as promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency.
8. Raise awareness and education: Educate children, parents, and communities about the health impacts of air pollution and the steps they can take to reduce exposure and contribute to cleaner air. By implementing these measures, we can reduce children's exposure to air pollution and create a healthier environment for them to grow and develop.
Dr Surender Kumar
Child specialist
Milestone kids clinic
Sector 55
Gurugram
Haryana