How does smog hurt me and my child?
Adverse pregnancy outcomes
Multiple studies have shown that air pollutants badly affect pregnancy outcomes. Premature birth, low birth weight, intrauterine growth retardation, abnormal birth length, abnormal head circumference and small size for gestational age have all been linked to air pollution. However, no specific trimester has been identified as the most vulnerable period of gestation during which air pollution might be most harmful to the fetus.
Increased risk of birth defects
Currently, only one study has investigated the effects of ambient air pollution on birth defects. The study observed a significant association between prenatal exposure to carbon monoxide and cardiac ventricular septal defects, while O3 was associated with an increased risk of aortic artery and valve defects, as well as pulmonary artery and valve defects.
Air pollution adversely affects cognitive development
Air pollution can have a “huge” negative effect on cognitive intelligence – especially amongst older men – according to a study released this past August. long-term exposure to air pollution may impede overall cognitive performance not just in children but also in adults.
Air pollution causes breathing problems in children
Growing evidence shows that air pollution causes respiratory health effects in both asthmatic and non-asthmatic children, although asthmatic children have shown more susceptibility to the adverse health effects of ambient air pollution. Several studies have linked ambient air pollution to an increased prevalence of asthma symptoms, as well as an increased incidence and prevalence of childhood asthma, particularly among children who regularly engage in sporting activities and those with increased asthma medication use There is evidence suggesting that current levels of ambient air pollutants may cause deficits in lung function growth in children.
Altered immunity in chidlren
Now studies show that air pollution causes alteration in the immune system in children. Leonardi et al studied the impact of ambient air pollution on the immune system of school children between nine and 11 years of age in 17 cities in Europe and found that ambient air pollution may alter both cellular and humoral immunity in children. Emerging evidence from animal toxicological studies suggest that ambient air pollution may cause suppression of host immunity.
Increased risk of vitamin D-deficiency rickets
In countries like Pakistan which witnesses abnormally high air pollution levels, children have been shown to be at increased risk of developing vitamin D-deficiency rickets compared with those residing in less polluted areas. The amount of solar radiation in the ultraviolet B range reaching ground level has been found to be inversely related to the level of ambient air pollution (haze). Ultraviolet B radiation emitted by the sun is required for the conversion of 7-dehydrocholesterol to cholecalciferol (vitamin D3). But this is impeded when strong sun rays creates ground level ozone which is a toxic air pollutant. Once inhaled, it leaves long term adverse effects.
The effects of improved air quality on children’s health
A decline in air pollution, especially levels of SO2 and total suspended particulates in former East Germany after it reunited with Germany, witnessed improvements in the results of lung function studies in children. There was also a significant reduction in respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis, sinusitis and frequent colds. Children in the United States who relocated to states with lower levels of ambient air PM10 showed increased growth in lung function studies, while those who relocated to states with higher PM10 experienced decreased growth in lung function (47). Cost-benefit analysis has shown huge health and economic benefits in reducing air pollution.
Air pollution hurts old and young
According to the World Health Organization, seven million people die each year from exposure to polluted air, both indoor and outdoor. The three biggest killers which are associated to air pollution are stroke (2.2 million deaths), heart disease (2.0 million) and lung disease and cancer (1.7 million deaths).
The World Health Organization’s air quality database shows that that 97 per cent of cities in low- and middle-income countries with more than 100,000 inhabitants do not meet air quality guidelines presently. However, the percentage is much lower in higher income countries – 40 per cent.
