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Air Pollution and Children's Health
Why developing lungs and higher breathing rates make children especially vulnerable to polluted air.
Dr. Anita SharmaMarch 15, 20258 min read
Children breathe more air relative to their body size, spend more time active outdoors, and have lungs and immune systems that are still developing.
Potential health effects
- Asthma, bronchitis, and reduced lung growth
- More respiratory infections
- Possible effects on cognitive development
- Long-term cardiovascular stress
How adults can protect children
- Check AQI before outdoor play or sports
- Move activities indoors during pollution peaks
- Keep classroom and home air clean
- Use a correctly fitted protective mask when appropriate
- Teach children what air quality colors mean
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