Did you know that 15 per cent of all global deaths in children under 5 years were linked to air pollution in 2021? That is, around 2,000 children under 5 die every day due to health impacts linked to air pollution.
Shocked?
Children are more vulnerable to air pollution than adults due to the ongoing development of their lungs, brains, and other organs. Studies have found that exposure to air pollution can have damaging effects on children’s cognitive development and can lead to reduction in their working memory.
Here are seven ways air pollution can impact children:
- Respiratory Issues
Children inhale more air relative to their body weight than adults. This makes them more vulnerable to pollutants like PM2.5 and nitrogen dioxide. Prolonged exposure can cause chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and reduced lung function.
- Cardiovascular Disease
Children exposed to high levels of air pollution face an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Reports suggest that prolonged exposure can lead to increased BP, or arterial stiffness even in toddlers.
- Cognitive Impairment
Pollutants like PM2.5 are said to cause inflammation in the brain, thus affecting neurological development. Impaired learning, reduced working memory and attention problems are common problems experienced by children.
READ ALSO: Your child’s memory is at risk, thanks to air pollution
- Disrupted Sleep & Development Issues
PM2.5 and NO2 can cause sleep disorders due to their impact on oxygen levels in body. They can cause inflammation, thus disrupting normal sleep cycles. Poor sleep or lack of sleep in children leads to developmental delays, difficulty in concentrating and irritability.
- Weakened Immune System
Pollutants are said to compromise a child’s immune system, thus making them more susceptible to illnesses or infections like respiratory tract infections or pneumonia.
- Behavioural, Emotional and Mental Health Problems
Children living in areas with high air pollution may experience disorders such as anxiety, depression, and hyperactivity. Some studies link these effects with the neuroinflammation caused by airborne pollutants.
- Reduced Academic Performance
Children who are exposed to polluted air for a longer period of time often struggle with academic performance due to the combination of some or all above factors like cognitive impairment, ill-health, poor sleep or concentration, and fatigue.
READ ALSO: Eight Ways to protect yourself from air pollution
Conclusion
In children, the impact of pollution goes beyond health, affecting every aspect of their growth and development. Pollution is stealing away their childhood. While outdoor pollution might be beyond our immediate control, we can take steps to improve indoor air quality and limit outdoor activities, especially on days when the AQI reaches the severe category.
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