Devin Jacobs
Air pollution is a silent killer, especially for children. Studies by WHO and UNICEF rank it as the second leading cause of death for kids under five. Even before birth, exposure to these emissions can have devastating consequences for a child’s health and development. Here are some of the effects of air pollution on these young citizens.
Preterm or Stillbirths
There’s a reason why pregnant women need extra care during those nine months. Some have to quit certain lifestyle habits to ensure the survival of their unborn babies. Things like smoking, proximity to smokers, and car exhaust fumes can expose pregnant women to air pollutants that affect their fetuses, especially during the first and second trimesters. This might lead to preterm deliveries or, in more unfortunate cases, stillbirths.
Lower Birth Weight
Aside from the first ear-splitting cry of life, a baby’s weight at birth is also vital for survival. The average weight is 8 pounds, but children whose mothers have been exposed to harmful air pollutants may weigh even less than five at birth. Thin limbs and little body fat are some physical attributes of this condition. But long-term effects range from digestive issues to difficulty fighting infections.
Miscarriages
A miscarriage is every expecting mother’s fear, one that causes extreme psychological issues like depression and anxiety. While infections, a weakened cervix, and diabetes are prime causes, living and working in polluted locations are also culprits. It could be toxic chemicals at the workplace, exhaust fumes from traffic, smoking, or just living with someone who indulges in a cigar occasionally.
Asthma
When it comes to respiratory issues like asthma, children are more susceptible. Their immune systems and lungs aren’t fully developed, and they enjoy playing outdoors, where these pollutants are concentrated. So, research the schools and parks your kids frequent. Are they dusty? Do cars drive past these locations constantly, exposing your children to harmful fumes? All these environmental factors can trigger asthma in children and affect their quality of life.
Allergic Reactions
A 2022 study found that air pollution increased the risk of food allergies in three-to-four-year-old children, especially when this exposure is prenatal. Poor ventilation and mold in homes can also make babies and toddlers susceptible to these lifelong problems. That’s another reason to keep your home ventilated and dust-free.
Childhood Cancers
According to the American Cancer Society, the most prominent cancers in children are leukemia, CNS tumors, neuroblastoma, and bone cancer. In adults, these conditions cause excruciating pain and weakness—now imagine what they do to children. Avoiding air contaminants during pregnancy is an excellent way to protect your kids. Even seemingly harmless bug sprays and insecticides might contain carcinogenic properties that harm kids—so remain cautious.
Cardiovascular Diseases
Heart disease has been a significant cause of death in America for over a century. And on average, one person passes every 33 seconds due to a heart condition. These numbers are high, yet something as preventable as lousy air can cause it. Research shows that a single day’s exposure to harmful air pollutants like wildfire or traffic fumes can subject a child to cardiovascular issues later in life.
Pneumonia
This is a lower respiratory infection of the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. As you may have guessed, children, especially those under two, are highly susceptible to this disease, alongside the elderly. Infected kids can have difficulty breathing, zero appetite, fever, and excessive coughing. Eliminating exposure to air-borne toxins is a good step toward immunizing your children against this condition.
Bronchitis
As the name suggests, bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi and trachea, the airways that transport air into your lungs. When these pathways are inflamed or blocked by mucus, it causes a frustrating cough that can last for weeks and even months as the body attempts to combat this anomaly. Wheezing, fever, and chest pains are some of the symptoms affected children have to deal with. And just like pneumonia, exposure to air irritants like smoke and pathogenic chemicals can be blamed.
Developmental Delays
The first five years of life are vital to human development. Sadly, these are also the years when a person is most vulnerable. What should be a normal process of growth when parents watch their children crawl, walk, and talk for the first time can turn into a painful series of hospital visits when air-borne toxins like tobacco and exhaust fumes get involved. Some common signs to look out for are delayed walking, sitting, and stiff limbs.
Shorter Attention Capacity
Children’s attention capacity improves naturally as they get older. Still, proximity to pollutants has deprived many of an average attention span. A study by the Barcelona Institute of Global Health found that early exposure to traffic-related air toxins suppresses the attention capacity of young children. This also occurs during pregnancy as the mother inhales these irritants, passing them on to the fetus.
Otitis Media (Infection of the Middle Ear)
In addition to respiratory issues and developmental delays, exposure to harmful air-borne particles like tobacco smoke can cause an ear infection called otitis media. It’s the most common illness other than colds that affects children of age two and under. Symptoms include ear pain, fussiness, trouble hearing, and loss of appetite.
Autistic Spectrum Disorder
One in 36 children is affected by autistic spectrum disorder, and these numbers are steadily increasing across the United States. The condition makes it difficult for children to make friends, pursue interests, and do well at school. Previously established risk factors are genetics and low birth weight, but recent findings also point to prenatal exposure to car exhaust fumes.
Death
2024 State of Global Air linked over 700,000 child deaths to air-borne toxins. This crisis demands immediate and collective action. Parents can start by removing cigarettes, avoiding high-traffic areas, and ventilating their homes. Broader community efforts include creating green spaces and promoting indoor air quality education.