Air pollution is changing children’s brains, study discovers

Can Georgia children breath easy?

About 17,000 — that’s how many people were ordered to evacuate following a Rockdale County chemical plant fire on Sunday. Hundreds of residents reported symptoms of skin irritation, watery eyes and nausea. And plumes of a smoky chlorine compound mixture still fill the Atlanta-area air.

Air pollution and its impact on children

With many looking for answers on how they can protect their families, the BioLab chemical fire has put air pollution back at the forefront in the Peach State. But Georgia parents should know there’s unrelated pollution in the atmosphere that may be cause for concern, according to a new study.

Air pollution and its impact on children’s brains

Published in the peer-reviewed journal Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, the scientists analyzed 40 empirical studies of air pollution and brain development outcomes to determine their findings. From gas-burning cars to coal-fueled power plants, everyday pollution adversely affects children’s behavioral, cognitive and motor development. It can also affect their physical health, even leading to low birth weight. But those are just some of the older studies the UC Davis team reviewed.

Why are children more vulnerable to air pollution?

“Children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable to the effects of air pollution, as they have a higher intake of contaminants relative to their body weight compared to adults, spend more time outdoors than adults, and their brains and bodies are still developing,” according to the researchers. “Although more pediatric studies are needed to fully characterize the mechanisms by which air pollution impacts brain development, a number of biological pathways have been implicated thus far.”

Protecting children from air pollution

“We listed air purifiers as one of the policy recommendations, and that is something that could be subsidized or provided in schools and other places where children spend a lot of time,” Hostinar said. “These can be quite effective.”

According to UNICEF, the first step in protecting children is to monitor the local air quality. The official “one-stop source for air quality data” in the U.S. is AirNow. By visiting airnow.gov, Americans can search for their city, state or ZIP code’s air quality forecast. An app is also available at airnow.gov/airnow-mobile-app/.

According to the pediatrician, parents should limit their children’s outdoor activities during days of poor air quality. If they must go outside, the kids should wear KN95 masks.

Windows should be closed during the day and air purifiers can help improve a home’s air quality.

“Being outdoors is generally good for children’s physical and mental health but parents must also consider the risks of exposure to pollution,” Woolford said. “When air quality problems are expected to be temporary, moving activities indoors or planning outdoor events for early in the day when air quality tends to be better may be warranted to prevent high levels of exposure.”

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
   • Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution.

2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
   • Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g. PM2.5) in cities (population-weighted).

3. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
   • Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have communicated the strengthening of institutional, systemic, and individual capacity-building to implement adaptation, mitigation, and technology transfer.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and SDG 13: Climate Action.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets identified are:
– Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
– Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
– Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. The indicators are:
– Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution.
– Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g. PM2.5) in cities (population-weighted).
– Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have communicated the strengthening of institutional, systemic, and individual capacity-building to implement adaptation, mitigation, and technology transfer.

These indicators can be used to measure progress towards reducing deaths and illnesses from pollution, improving air quality in cities, and integrating climate change measures into national policies and strategies.

Overall, the article highlights the impact of air pollution on health, particularly in children, and emphasizes the need for measures to reduce pollution levels and protect vulnerable populations. It also raises awareness about the importance of monitoring air quality and implementing policies to address pollution-related health risks.

Source: ajc.com