Babies and children have immature immune systems. For this reason, they are more susceptible to various types of diseases. One of them is due to exposure to air pollution.
Air pollution is a condition in which the environment has been contaminated by a mixture of solid particles and harmful gases. These substances can come from chemicals or factory waste, vehicle fumes and cigarette smoke, or dust.
Impact of Air Pollution on Children's Health
The problem of air pollution should not be taken lightly, because this can have an impact on the health of your baby. Some of the negative effects that can be caused by air pollution on children are:
Respiratory tract disease
Air pollution can cause problems in the respiratory tract of children. Because children's lungs and respiratory tract are still in the development stage, exposure to unclean air will be more at risk of damaging the development of their organs and respiratory tract.
In children who have a history of allergies and asthma, exposure to air pollution can also increase the risk of recurrence of allergies and asthma.
In addition, the duration of exposure to air pollution can also affect the emergence of respiratory diseases. The habit of children playing outdoors is one of the factors that can increase the duration of exposure to air pollution that can damage their respiratory tract.
Disturbance fetus
In addition to the dangers of direct exposure, air pollution can also be felt since the child is still in the womb. A study revealed that pregnant women who are exposed to air pollution, the fetus can experience cognitive impairment after birth.
In addition, pregnant women who are often exposed to air pollution can also give birth to premature babies and babies with low birth weight.
Mental disorders
A recent study revealed that exposure to air pollution in a long enough duration is associated with the emergence of mental disorders, such as depression, bipolar disorder, and personality disorders in children.
However, Mother, don't panic just yet, because air pollution is only one of many factors. Mental disorders can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics and the environment.
In essence, air pollution is not good if inhaled by children. Air pollution isn't just the air outside, right, Bun. The room in the house can also be contaminated by air pollution, such as cigarette smoke, stove smoke, air freshener products, wall paint, and cleaning products.
How to Protect Children from Air Pollution
There are several ways you can do so that your little one is not exposed to air pollution, namely:
- Do not burn garbage in the area around the house.
- Keep your little one away from cigarette smoke.
- Make sure the ventilation of the house and kitchen is good, so that cooking fumes do not become air pollution in the house.
- Use an air purifier with a filter that has HEPA technology.
- Wear a mask on your little one when he is doing outdoor activities that put him at risk of exposure to air pollution.
In addition, don't forget to complete the immunizations, and teach healthy living habits, including diligently washing hands with soap and running water.
Air pollution can harm not only children, but also all family members. Therefore, follow the tips and methods above to minimize exposure to air pollution. If air pollution causes complaints and health problems, don't hesitate to consult a doctor, so that appropriate treatment is given.
