Air Pollution and Childhood Respiratory Diseases

Air pollution is a significant issue and the health of many people, particularly children, is adversely impacted by it. Clean air is very important to our health and should be breathed. Unfortunately, air pollution frequently happens because of car exhaust, industrial emissions, burning trash and dust. Children are more vulnerable to the effects because their lungs are still developing and they breathe more rapidly than adults. In my thinking about this problem I think about how the air around us impacts a child's life a great deal.

In many places, I've observed people burn trash in the open, not being mindful of the smoke they will produce. The air is also polluted by vehicles on a daily basis. Sometimes I can even smell the smoke while walking on the road, and it makes me uncomfortable. Well, my kids as little kids, must be worse than me. They have to breathe polluted air every day, and many of them don't have any other option.

The major threat of air pollution is that it can lead to respiratory diseases in children. These are diseases of the lungs which make breathing difficult. Children might develop asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, cough, wheezing or chest infections. Some kids suffer from frequent illnesses because they breathe polluted air for prolonged periods. They might not attend school, feel weak and may have to go to hospital many times. It may also cause them stress with their parents.

I was once at a noisy site with numerous vehicles and people burning waste. There was much smoke and dust in the air. I was there for about five minutes and began to cough and get itchy eyes. That made me think of the children who live there every day. I thought I have to realize that they don't have the power to change their environment themselves, and that it is the adult's responsibility to protect them from it.

I think everybody should strive to minimize air pollution. I am able to not waste anything on the fire, and can promote others to do likewise. I can give my support to the planting of trees because trees help clean the air. I can take public transport if necessary, or walk short distances rather than drive the car every time. Governments need to implement environmental regulations, upgrade waste disposal methods and ensure that industries minimize pollutant emissions. Parents should also try and avoid areas where there is a lot of smoke.

To sum up, air pollution is an environmental and health problem affecting many children and putting their lives at risk. All children need to be able to breathe clean, healthy air. If we all do our part and are more responsible, together we can decrease air pollution, and keep children free of respiratory diseases. What you do now is what you will leave for your future generations!