Effects of Air Pollution on

Children

Dr.S.Suresh/NIT/Trichy.

Copyright, 1996 © Dale Carnegie & Associates, Inc.

Air Pollution

It is defined as any atmospheric

condition in which certain
substances are present in such
concentrations that they produce
undesirable effects on humans and
environment.
Sources of air pollution :

Natural - Dust storms, volcanoes, foods,

lightning, etc.

Man-made - industrial activities,

automobile exhausts.
agricultural,
domestic conditions,
Pollutants of air :
Particulate pollutants -
are solids or liquids with size
< 100 microns that remain suspended
in the atmosphere.
Dust
Fumes
Smoke
Mist
Fog
Bacteria

Gaseous - Toxic and poisonous

e.g. CO, chlorine, NH3, H2S, SO2, NO2, CO2.
Major Pollutants

Ozone Transient damage

Permanent damage
-accelerated aging of the lung

Carbon monoxide
- heart disease
- lung diseases
- central nervous system
 response to external stimuli
(symptoms similar of flu)
- Normal individual during strenuous
work
Nitrogen Dioxide
Short term - respiratory infections
trigger asthma
 lung function
respiratory irritation
Long-term -
chronic damage (emphysema)

Suppression of immune system

 ability to fight off bacterial & viral infections

 body's ability to generate antibodies
 ability to remove foreign particles
Lead
- Nerve damage
 IQ
 perceptual motor skills
- Anemia
- Kidney damage
- High blood pressure
Sulfur dioxide
- Trigger asthma especially in children

sulfur dioxide affects adults and children differently

and that chronic and acute effects may also be
different
Particulate Matter
Diesel - Cancer
- Asthmatic attacks in children
- Eye and throat irritation
- Headache
- Lightheadedness
- Nausea
- Perception of unpleasant odors
- Lung inflammation.
Air Pollution:
How Grievous? ?
Around 30-40% of cases of
asthma and 20-30% of all
respiratory diseases may be
linked to air pollution
- increased acute respiratory diseases
- lowered lung function in children
- increased sickness rates;
- increases in mortality
why specially in children
- Children spend more time
- outdoors
especially in the summertime when
ozone levels are the highest
- engaged in vigorous activity
- Have a higher breathing rate
- Not likely to receive / understand the
biological warnings
- Breathe through mouth also
- Have narrower airways
- Impairment of the lung's ability to
defend itself
Control of air pollution
Society
Industries
– Legislation
– guidelines for siting of industries
– emission standards for industries
– development of pollution prevention technologies

Vehicular pollution
– stringent emission norms
– cleaner fuel quality
What can we do to protect
our kids?
Keep an eye on child’s health

Look for warning signs

share observations with pediatrician.

Asthmatic child

recognize triggers and avoid them

on bad air days they react more
strongly to triggers than usual
Make indoor environment "lung healthy"

Smoke-free
regular cleaning
leaks or moisture problems
Keep track of air pollution levels

limit the outdoor time in vigorous play

during unhealthy airtime
Plan the most strenuous activities for
the early morning hours
Keep outdoor activities away from busy
roadways and other sources of
pollution.

Make child’s guides aware of the health risks

of air pollution, and frame policies
Proper disposal of waste
- dry leaves, old tyres,
plastics & garbage

Shift to cleaner fuels

- vehicle, cooking

Save enegry
- decrease fuel consumption

Diwali

Speak out in support of clean air

Thank you