ENVIRONMENTAL

HEALTH AND
CHILDREN II(INDOOR
AND OUTDOOR AIR
POLLUTION)
GROUP 2
 • Wario Nuria Halkano H31/134501/2018
• Sofia Noor H31/134260/2018
• Bwanika Deogratius Edward H31/31693/2015
GROUP
• Chuol John Jock H31/45253/2017
MEMBERS
• Xavier Chimita H31/42276/2017
• Austine Odhiambo H31/2558/2015
• Odhiambo Don Adera H31/42164/2017
OBJECTIVES

● Definitions: indoor and outdoor air pollution

Describe the following:
● sources of air pollution.
● why children are vulnerable to air pollution
● global burden of air pollution
● effects of air pollution on child health
● preventive and control measures
 DEFINITIONS: INDOOR AND OUTDOOR AIR
POLLUTION
• Air pollution is contamination of the indoor or outdoor environment by any
chemical, physical or biological agent that modifies the natural characteristics
of the atmosphere.
• An air pollutant is any solid, liquid, gaseous or radioactive substance present
in the atmosphere or ambient air in such a concentration as to be injurious to
humans or plants.
• Indoor air pollution refers to the contamination of air within enclosed spaces
by chemical, physical, or biological agents that modify the natural
characteristics of the atmosphere and pose health risks . This can occur in
homes, workplaces, schools, public transportation, and other buildings.
• Outdoor air pollution refers to the contamination of the ambient (outdoor)
environment by pollutants that originate from human activities and natural
sources. These pollutants can significantly degrade air quality.
PRIMARY VS SECONDARY AIR POLLUTANTS

• Primary air pollutant is a pollutant

that is formed and emitted directly
from its source and examples include
particulates, carbon monoxide,
nitrogen oxide and sulphur oxide
• Secondary air pollutant is a product
of the reaction of two or more primary
pollutants in the atmosphere e.g NO2
and hydrocarbons.
SOURCES OF OUTDOOR AIR POLLUTION

Naturally occurring:
a) Particulate matter- this includes dust from the earth surface.
b) Sea salt in coastal areas and biological materials- react with nitric oxide (NO2) and
Sulphur dioxide (SO2) forming secondary pollutants like particulate matter and ozone.
c) Pollen, spores or plant and animal debris
d) Volcanic eruption- introduce gases and particles in the atmosphere e.g SO2.
SOURCES OF OUTDOOR AIR POLLUTION

e) Forest fires- producing particulate matter.

f) Thunder bolts- creates nitrogen oxide and ozone.
g) Algae on the surface of oceans- Hydrogen sulphide
h) Wind erosions- introduce particulate matter in the atmosphere.
i) Humid zones;- swamps, peat-bogs and little deep lakes- produce methane.
j) The reaction between nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds in the presence of
sunlight causing low ozone occurrence at ground level.
SOURCES OUTDOOR AIR POLLUTION

Human made sources:

a) Combustion of carbon constituted fuels such as coal, fuel oil, would natural gas-
producing CO and hydrocarbons.
b) Fossil fuels combustion contained auto mobiles- producing nitrogen oxides.
c) Industrialization in densely populated regions- produce smog due to ozone.
d) Coal and sulfur from fuel oils oxidization to Sulphur dioxide (SO2).
e) Domestic garbage incineration- PM, CO, NOs, SO2, VOCs and heavy metals.
SOURCES OF OUTDOOR AIR POLLUTION

f) Agricultural practices of using nitrogen fertilizers- produce N2O, green house effect gas
and ammonia.
g) Digestion and evacuation of farming animals- producing Methane.
SOURCES OF INDOOR AIR
POLLUTION
a) Combustion from Cook stoves, space heaters- CO and
nitrogen oxides.
b) Indoor Tobacco Smoking- emits tar, CO, formaldehyde,
benzene and particulate matter.
c) Chemical and furnishing pdts- e.g insecticides, pesticides,
VOCs, formaldehyde etc
d) Non-biomass fuels eg Kerosene and coal
e) Bottled and piped gases- produce carbon monoxide(CO2),
nitrogen oxides.
f) unprocessed solid fuels e.g biofuels produced from biomass.
SOURCES OF INDOOR AIR POLLUTION

g) Out or indoor activities that may influence PM- constructions

h) Wood and Charcoal- PM, CO, VOCs, PAH and CO2.
i) Dried animal dung and scavenged twigs and grass for cooking - just like above + nitrogen oxides.
j) Crop residues-Combustion emits above +SO2.
k) Perfumes- release VOCs that create a pleasant scent which may be allergic to some individuals.
l) Air freshners and pesticides emit toxic products like aldehydes
m) Dust from carpets and moisture from humidifiers and air conditioners
 Children are uniquely vulnerable to environmentally mediated
adverse health outcomes as a result of their developmental status,
unique behaviors and traits, and immediate surrounding.
WHY Early-life exposure to air pollution can negatively affect the health
CHILDREN ARE and development of an individual throughout the life span.

VULNERABLE Some of the reasons why children are vulnerable to air pollution
include:
TO AIR • They breathe more rapidly than adults and take in more air
POLLUTION relative to their body weight often through the mouth, which
takes in more pollutants.
WHY CHILDREN ARE VULNERABLE
TO AIR POLLUTION

• Their lungs are still developing, and air pollution

can interfere with this biological process.
• They are more active and spend a lot of time
outside therefore more exposed to air pollution.
• Since their immune system is weaker than adults,
children are more susceptible to viruses, bacteria
and other infections. This increases their risk of
respiratory infection and reduces their ability to
fight it.
 Due to their short stature, they're closer to the ground
where some pollutants reach peak concentrations at a
time when their brains and bodies are still developing

Their bodies are less able to metabolize, detoxify,

and excrete the toxicants contained in air pollution.
WHY
CHILDREN ARE Their brains are still developing, and neurotoxic
VULNERABLE compounds in air pollution can affect children’s
TO AIR cognitive development.

POLLUTION Babies born to women who were exposed to air pollution

during their pregnancy are more likely to be premature
and low birth weight.
GLOBAL BURDEN OF AIR POLLUTION

• Air pollution accounts for more than 1 in 9 deaths globally. It is estimated to have
contributed to 6.67 million deaths worldwide in 2019. In 2019, air pollution was the 4th
leading risk factor for death globally. Of these, 4.2 million were attributable to outdoor air
pollution due to fine particulate matter.
• Household air pollution was responsible for an estimated 3.2 million deaths per year in
2020, with 237,000 of them involving children under the age of 5.
• The exposure results in non-communicable diseases such as stroke, ischaemic heart
disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer
GLOBAL BURDEN OF AIR POLLUTION

• According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 99% of the world population and over 93% of
children globally are exposed to air pollution levels exceeding WHO limits.
• Around ⅓ (2.4 billion) of the population cooks using open fires or fuels such as kerosene, biomass and
coal which are a big source of indoor pollution and women and children bear the greatest health burden
because they are more involved in household chores.
• There are regional disparities with urban areas facing heightened pollution from industrialization and
population density, while developing countries grapple with limited access to clean energy sources,
exacerbating pollution levels.
• Burden of disease due to air pollution is almost the same as other major global health risks such as
unhealthy diets and tobacco smoking.
• With over 6.67 million deaths attributed to air pollution in 2019, urgent action is
imperative.
• Addressing the crisis demands cooperation at local, national, and international levels.
• Policy interventions such as strengthening emission standards and promoting clean
energy sources are critical.
• Community engagement through raising awareness and advocating for cleaner air
policies is essential.
EFFECTS OF AIR POLLUTION ON CHILD HEALTH

Air pollution have many significant effects on child health, impacting both short-term and long-
term well-being.
1. Respiratory Issues: Air pollution is linked to respiratory problems in children, including
asthma exacerbation and respiratory infections.
2. Neurodevelopmental Impacts: Exposure to air pollution has been associated with
neurodevelopmental issues in children, such as impaired cognitive development and increased
risk of neurodevelopmental disorders.
3. Cardiovascular Health: Air pollution can affect cardiovascular health in children, contributing
to conditions like hypertension and atherosclerosis.
EFFECTS OF AIR POLLUTION ON CHILD HEALTH

4. Reduced Lung function: Long-term exposure to air pollution can lead to reduced lung function
growth in children, impacting their respiratory capacity in adulthood.
5. Behavioral and Mental Health: Some studies suggest a connection between air pollution
exposure and adverse effects on children’s behavior and mental health, such as increased anxiety
and depressive symptoms, autism spectrum disorders and ADHD.
6. Childhood cancers: Theres an increased risk of childhood leukemia with exposure to traffic-
related air pollutants such as benzene causing AML.
7. Birth defects: Outdoor air pollution from CO, nitrogen dioxide, ozone and particulate matter
lead to VSDs, aortic artery and valve defects, pulmonary artery and valve defects.
 PREVENTIVE AND CONTROL MEASURES
OF AIR POLLUTION
• Air pollution is the second highest risk factor for noncommunicable diseases, making it a critical concern for public health.
Ensuring clean air isn't just about statistics—it's about safeguarding children's health. By tackling air pollution, countries can
lessen the incidence of various diseases, such as respiratory illnesses, heart conditions, and cancer. Prioritizing air purity isn't
merely a choice; it's an essential step towards a healthier future for our children and communities worldwide.

• Among the approaches aimed at reducing air pollution are various policies and strategies. These include:

1) Energy:

• Installing solar panels reduces reliance on fossil fuels, contributing to improved air quality for children.

• Programmable thermostats optimize heating and cooling systems, reducing energy consumption and air pollution emissions.

• Switching to energy-efficient LED light bulbs lowers electricity usage and decreases air pollution from power generation
sources, benefiting children's health
 PREVENTIVE AND CONTROL MEASURES OF
AIR POLLUTION
2) Household Practices
 Use natural cleaning products instead of chemical-based cleaners to reduce indoor air pollution and
minimize children's exposure to harmful substances.
 Keep indoor plants to help purify the air and improve indoor air quality, benefiting children's health.
 Ensure proper ventilation in kitchens and bathrooms to prevent the buildup of moisture and mold,
which can exacerbate respiratory issues in children.
 Avoid burning candles or incense indoors to minimize indoor air pollution and protect children's
respiratory health.
PREVENTIVE AND CONTROL MEASURES
OF AIR POLLUTION
3) Power Generation:
 Install advanced air pollution control technologies such as scrubbers and filters in power plants to capture
harmful pollutants before they are released into the air, protecting children's health.
 Transition from coal-fired power plants to cleaner energy sources such as natural gas or renewable energy to
reduce air pollution emissions and improve air quality in surrounding communities.
4) Industry:
 Implement pollution prevention measures such as recycling and waste minimization programs to reduce air
pollution emissions from industrial activities and protect children's health.
 Conduct regular air quality monitoring near industrial sites to identify and address sources of air pollution
that may impact children's health.
PREVENTIVE AND CONTROL MEASURES
OF AIR POLLUTION
5) Transport:
• Encourage carpooling or ridesharing among parents to reduce vehicles on roads and minimize
transportation emissions.
• Advocate for expanding public transportation networks for accessible and affordable alternatives,
improving urban air quality.
• Promote walking or biking to school to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution, safeguarding
children's health.
• Support electric or hybrid vehicle adoption to lower tailpipe emissions and reduce air pollution in
communities where children reside.
PREVENTIVE AND CONTROL MEASURES OF
AIR POLLUTION
6) Waste Management Practices:
• Implement composting programs to reduce methane emissions and air pollution from organic
waste, benefiting children's health
• Enforce regulations and best practices for the safe disposal of hazardous waste materials to
prevent air pollution and protect children and communities from exposure to harmful
substances.
• Support sustainable agricultural practices such as promoting organic farming techniques, which
avoid the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, thereby reducing air pollution from
agricultural activities.
TAKE ACTION: PLAY YOUR PART IN AIR POLLUTION
PREVENTION:
1. Reduce your footprint: cut energy use by turning off lights, unplugging electronics, and using
energy-efficient appliances. Use eco-friendly transport such as walking, biking, etc., And minimize
waste by using reusable items, composting food scraps, and recycling materials.
2. Make sustainable choices: support green products and businesses. Reduce, reuse, recycle.
3. Support green initiatives: volunteer for environmental groups. Join community clean-up efforts.
4. Lead by example: inspire others with your eco-friendly habits and encourage collective action.
5. Stay engaged: stay informed, stay involved. Keep advocating for a cleaner environment.
REFERENCES

1. https://www.who.int/news-room/spotlight/how-air-pollution-is-destroying-our-health/c
hildren-and-air-pollution
2. World Health Organization. (2021). Ambient (Outdoor) Air Quality and Health. WHO.
Available at:
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ambient-(outdoor)-air-quality-and-he
alth
(Accessed: April 17, 2024).
3. Tran et al. (2020).https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17082927
4. Bennett et al.(2019)https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apr.2018.09.006
5. Liao et al. (2015).https://doi.org/10.5094/APR.2015.092