What are the important details you need to know about protecting your children from the effects of air pollution?

Air pollution is a very significantly growing concern that is having an adverse impact on people particularly children who are vulnerable to the harmful effects of the pollutants present in the air. Research very well indicates that exposure to air pollution during childhood will have long-lasting effects on the health and development of the kids. In very simple terms air pollution refers to the presence of harmful substances in the air we are breathing which can include gases, particles, and biological molecules. All of these pollutants will come from multiple sources both natural and human beings and will have a very significant impact on health. Some of the common sources of air pollution that you need to know are:

1. The most common source is vehicle emissions from cars, trucks, and other vehicles.
2. Another common source is the industrial processes because the factories are consistently releasing air pollution with heavy metals.
3. Agricultural activities are also leading to air pollution through pesticides, fertilizers, and livestock which are releasing methane and ammonia into the air.
4. Burning of fossil fuels is another very common concern associated with air pollution in addition to the natural sources of wildfire, dust storms, and volcanic eruptions.

Following are the basic points highlighting the impact of air pollution on children as per the recommendations from the doctors at the paediatric hospital:

1. Respiratory issues: Air pollution will be having very severe impact on the respiratory health of the kids because the exposure to the air pollutant especially the particular matter will be increasing the risk of asthma and bronchitis along with other respiratory conditions in children.
2. Developmental and cognitive delay: Prolonged exposure to the air pollution has been linked with the developmental delay in children and further it will also be affecting the cooperative development as well as behavioural problems in children like attention deficit hyper activity disorder.
3. Weakening of the immune system: Air pollution can also focus on awakening the immune system of children because it will make them much more susceptible to infections as well as illnesses.
4. Increasing the risk of allergies: Air pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide will be a byproduct of the vehicle emission as well as the industrial processes which further will be leading to very high risk of allergic reactions and children in such cases will be brought to food allergies as well.
5. Cardiovascular issues: The latest research also indicates that exposure to the air pollution in childhood will also be contributing to the cardiovascular issues at a very young age.

Some of the common symptoms of air pollution exposure in kids as recommended by paediatric health consultants have been justified as follows:

1. Respiratory issues: Persistent coughing and shortness of breath are very common signs the children will be facing after the reaction to the pollutants in the air. For children who are facing the problem of asthma, exposure to air pollution will also create issues with the symptoms and will lead to very severe asthma attacks. Children in such cases will be facing the problem of difficulty in breathing particularly when they are exposed to the outdoor pollution areas.
2. Irritation into throat and eyes: The pollutants like the particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide will be irritating the sensitive areas like the eyes as well as the throat and kids in such cases will be experiencing the problem of red and watery eyes with soreness into the throat.
3. Increasing the congestion: Any kind of pollutants associated with the air pollution will be irritating the lining of the respiratory tract and will be leading to the increase of the mucus production as well as the nasal congestion. This will be appearing as a very stuffy nose, sneezing and will be based upon frequent requirement of cleaning the throat.
4. Fatigue and reduced energy levels: Another very common symptom associated with the air pollution exposure is that parents will be noticing the reduction of energy, increase of irritation and difficulty in concentration in the kids.
5. Consistent headache and irritation on skin: Some of the air pollutants like the ground-level ozone and certain chemicals will be creating the skin irritation as well as headache especially after spending time outdoors or near these sources of pollution.

Some of the most important tips recommended by doctors for protecting pregnant ladies, newborns and kids from air pollution have been explained as follows:

1. It is very much important for people to remain informed about monitoring the air-quality in your area with the help of air monitoring quality tools as well as government resources.
2. Limiting the outdoor activities is very much important so that everyone will be able to indoor gaming and engage into the indoor hobbies so that exposure will be minimum.
3. It is important for people to create a very clean indoor environment by using the air purifier and monitoring the indoor air quality so that windows and doors will be kept closed.
4. Promoting the physical activity by considering the indoor options like yoga, dancing and home-based activity will be helpful in reducing the exposure to the outdoor air and will be helpful in making sure that kids will be having the appropriate access to the activity’s spaces.
5. It is important for parents to ensure proper ventilation so that air quality will improve and everybody will be able to reduce the indoor level of pollution.
6. Providing the kids with the encouragement of a balanced diet is also very important because the minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants will be helpful in supporting the immune system by getting the harmful effects of air pollution.
7. Promoting the use of the sustainable transportation is also equally important by encouraging the walking, cycling and using the public transportation instead of private vehicles to reduce the air pollution and emissions.

Hence protecting the kids from harmful effects of air pollution is of paramount importance and by remaining informed as well as getting in touch with the best paediatric orthopaedic for kids, everyone will be able to work towards a cleaner as well as safe world for the kids to thrive in.