Photo by Piron Guillaume on Unsplash
While pollution affects everyone, children are at more risk of developing further complications due to pollution. Estimations in the world over, show that a significant percentage of people under the age of 15 take-in polluted air. By doing so, their health is significantly compromised so much so that their future development is greatly impaired. Sadly, most of them never develop into healthy adults.
One research done by WHO sought to investigate the effects of air pollution and its effect on children. The results indicated that pregnant women who’re continuously exposed to polluted air are more likely to give birth to children with respiratory disease and other abnormalities.
Such children do not compare to healthy children when it comes to both weight and height. Shockingly, the report also stated that children born to mothers who’re exposed to pollution have higher chances of developing chronic conditions later on in their lives. Children are likely to suffer from;
Which begs the question; why are children so adversely affected by pollution?
The answer lies in the fact that children take in air more rapidly as compared to adults. Secondly, adults have an advantage in that they live far away from the ground compared to children. Pollutes such as dust and pollen are heavier than the conventional air; therefore, they tend to be much closer to the ground. Children thus are much exposed compared to adults.
The following are also some critical findings highlighted by the report.
Children can never avoid pollutants;however, it is essential for parents to ascertain that their homes are contaminant free. This is possible if the parents avoid the use of non-conventional methods such as the use of smoky kerosene stoves. Parents should also take a keen look at their surroundings and protect their unborn children from pollution.
Lungs are a vital organ in the body; therefore, it is important for them to always function at 100%. Research has shown that air pollution significantly targets the lungs, as it is the organ that receives air directly from the atmosphere.
The effects of this are that children born in highly polluted areas will never have fully developed lungs. Therefore, when they finally become adults, their reduced lung capacity will prevent them from living a normal, full life.
Cancers will also become hard to avoid, as toxic substances in the blood will interfere with the cell processes.
Sadly, avoiding air pollution, especially when living in big cities such as London is near impossible.
Concerted efforts from the government can, however, reduce the effects of air pollution significantly. While indoors, parents must ascertain the purity of air in the house. Research shows that indoor air is equally dangerous as outdoor air, if left unchecked. Parents must avoid smoking while in the house and further do away with smoky cooking equipment while in the house.
The following steps will guide you in making your home safe for children.