There is an Often Overlooked Health Threat Among Us
Air pollution is a significant, often overlooked health threat that causes about 7 million deaths globally each year. Among these, 600,000 are children under the age of five. This figure is something even the daunting COVID-19 virus has not achieved.
Air Pollution – A Critical Health Threat
Air pollution is an environmental threat that causes more fatalities worldwide than many high-profile diseases. Each year, it’s responsible for the deaths of millions, including a staggering number of young children, far surpassing many other health risks.
Believe It or Not
An alarming 90% of children breathe dangerously polluted air daily. This exposure significantly contributes to several severe health outcomes, which range from poor birth outcomes to increased rates of respiratory and systemic illnesses.
How Are Children Affected?
Poor Birth Outcomes:
Studies have shown a significant correlation between exposure to environmental air pollutants and adverse birth outcomes. This includes low birth weight and increased risks of preterm births primarily due to particulate matter (PM), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), ozone (O3), and carbon monoxide (CO) exposure.
Infant Mortality:
Convincing evidence suggests a link between air pollution and increased infant mortality rates. As pollution levels rise, so does the risk, especially with exposure to particulate matter and toxic gases.
Neurodevelopmental Effects:
Increasing evidence indicates that both prenatal and postnatal exposure to air pollution negatively impacts neurological development, potentially leading to cognitive and behavioral issues such as autism spectrum disorders and ADHD.
Childhood Obesity:
Limited studies have found a potential link between exposure to environmental air pollution and adverse metabolic outcomes in children, suggesting that prenatal exposure correlates with increased weight gain in early childhood.
Lung Function:
There is robust evidence that air pollution compromises children’s lung function and development, even at low exposure levels. Prenatal exposure has been linked with impaired lung development and function in children.
Acute Lower Respiratory Infections, Including Pneumonia:
There is substantial evidence linking environmental and household air pollution with an increased risk of acute lower respiratory infections in children, such as pneumonia, particularly associated with PM2.5, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone (O3).
Asthma:
Numerous studies indicate that environmental air pollution increases the risk of developing asthma in children and exacerbates existing conditions.
Otitis Media (Middle Ear Infections):
There is consistent and clear evidence linking environmental air pollution exposure to the incidence of otitis media in children. Even though studies on non-tobacco smoke household air pollution are fewer, evidence suggests that combustion-related household air pollution might increase the risk.
Childhood Cancers:
There is substantial evidence linking exposure to traffic-related air pollution with an increased risk of leukemia in children. Some studies suggest that prenatal exposure to environmental air pollution could increase the risk of retinoblastoma and leukemia.
Protecting Our Children
Given their rapid breathing rates and more permeable respiratory tracts, children are particularly vulnerable to air pollution. FICA Lab has long been committed to indoor air quality research and collaborates globally to provide optimal technological solutions for maternal and child health. Here are some suggestions for residential settings:
- Source Control: Reducing indoor pollution sources can significantly diminish exposure.
- Ventilation: When outdoor air quality is good, ventilation can be effectively achieved through opening windows, which is often more effective than mechanical ventilation systems.
- Air Purification: Using air purifiers can help reduce indoor air pollution levels, offering an additional layer of protection, especially in children’s living spaces.
By focusing on improving air quality, particularly during the critical early years, we can provide substantial health benefits for children. This proactive approach not only addresses immediate health concerns but also contributes to long-term well-being.
FICA Lab, a winner of a UNICEF air innovation award, is renowned for its cutting-edge research and development in environmental health solutions. This recognition underscores our commitment to advancing global health through pioneering projects that safeguard especially vulnerable populations, such as children.
