The effects of air pollution on children

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The effects of air pollution on children

Air pollution causes many effects on the health of adults and childrens. According to the report by T. Kleinman over the past several years, the incidence of a number of diseases has increased such as asthma, bronchitis and respiratory infections due to air pollution.

Study reveals that children take in more air per unit body weight at a given level of exertion than do adults. E.g. When children play soccer games they take in 20% to 50% than an adult would in comparable activity.

Air pollution has greater impact on the health of children and adults

Ozone O3

This is very important pollutant, which cause enormous damage to human health. Ozone O3 is a molecule built of three atoms of oxygen linked together in a very energetic combination. When ozone comes into contact with surface it rapidly releases this extra force in the form of chemical energy. When this happens in biological systems, such as the respiratory tract, this energy can cause damage to sensitive tissues in the upper and lower always. Ozone is formed with the help of solar energy and photochemical reactions of pollutants. Higher concentrations of ozone are generally related to intensity of sunlight.

According to AQND (South coast air quality management district). An Ozone level greater than 0.08parts per million (ppm) averaged over eight hours considered harmful. This level has been set because both laboratory and community studies have demonstrated measurable effects of Ozone at or above that threshold.

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Ozone effects on people such as: irritation of nose and throat:

  • increased mucus production and tendency to cough
  • eye irritation and headaches for some
  • during severe conc. Chest pain and difficulty taking a deep breath without coughing
  • ozone affects the sensitive tissue in deep lining

According to US Environmental protection Agency (EPA) has recommended that ozone should not exceed 0.08ppm averaged over an 8-hour period. When ozone exceeds this level, active children and adults, those with respiratory disease such as asthma, and other people with unusual susceptibility to ozone should limit prolonged outdoor exposure. Incidentally, personal ...

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