Effect of Air Pollution on a Child’s Health and Growth?

Air pollution is a major concern today and it is steadily worsening. You might not be able to tackle the problem entirely on your own. But you can certainly take measures to protect your family from the harmful effects of it. These may affect your child’s health in more ways than you can imagine.

Air-borne pollutants can affect your child in case of daily expossure, it may affect his health in the following ways:

• Excessive air pollution can hamper the growth and development of a child. It may even affect the proper functioning of the lungs.
• Being exposed to environmental toxins may cause infections or injuries in your child’s lungs, which may reduce the lung capacity. These adverse effects may not only be a childhood phenomenon and may affect your child’s health in adulthood too.
• Being exposed to polluted air on a regular basis may aggravate health conditions such as cystic fibrosis or asthma in children.
• The various air pollutants, besides affecting the respiratory system, affect the nervous system as well. Long-term exposure to air pollutants such as lead can stunt the cognitive development of a child.
• Air pollution may impact the overall health of a child. As medical conditions, food, water, air pollution, and other such problem-causing-factors are interlinked altogether. Together they may deteriorate the overall health of a child.

Ways to Lower the Impact of Air Pollution on a Child’s Health

Finding a one-stop solution to reduce air pollution is not possible, not now, at least. But you can find ways to protect your child from the harmful effects of air pollution. Here’s how you can help lower the impact of air-borne pollution on your child’s health, and keep him safe and healthy.

• Make sure that your child’s diet is wholesome and healthy, because a rich and nutritious diet can ensure good health and lower the risk of developing infections and severe health conditions.
• Make it a point that your child engages in some kind of physical activity daily. Any form of physical activity will improve your child’s lung health and immune system. It helps in maintaining a good cardiovascular system, which will give him the strength to combat health problems. And while he is at it, ensure that he is enjoying that activity in green or open spaces because exposure to fresh air will do good to his health.
• If you feel like the AQI in your house is poor, use purifiers. As it eliminates the impurities and toxic elements present in the air.
• If your child falls sick constantly, consult a doctor and make sure he takes his medicines on time.
• While taking your child outdoors, avoid peak hours as the AQI will be particularly poor during that time. The ideal time for outdoor play or park visits is early morning.
• You can also do your bit to reduce the pollution by engaging in some healthy habits. For eg. carpooling, using public transport, cycling or walking to nearby places.

You could also do your bit and practice and educate others to collectively help fight air pollution! This way, you are ensuring that you’ve made a difference to your child’s future.

Concerned about your child’s health? Visit our Pediatrics Department or book an appointment online.