Bledidoc Answers
Pollution is everywhere but how can I protect my child?

Children are more vulnerable to the adverse effects of air pollution than adults. Air pollution is associated with respiratory problems, asthma, premature births, infant mortality, and deficient lung growth. 1

More than 90% of children around the world are exposed to polluted air that can damage their health, according to a 2018 report from the World Health Organization (WHO). 2

Tips to keep sources of pollution out of your home: 3

  1. Make sure your home is a smoke-free zone
  2. Keep humidity level under 50 by using a dehumidifier and air conditioning
  3. Cover trash and secure pest control
  4. Avoid burning wood
  5. Some plants such as the Aloe vera, the Spider plant, the bamboo palm, are known to help get clean indoor air 4

 

Tips to avoid outdoor pollution:

  1. When in a car, keep windows and vents closed in highly polluted areas. Turn the air-conditioning to re-circulate
  2. Perform activities away from traffic areas
  3. Take kids to spend time in nature

 

Dr. Zeinab El Tahesh

Paediatrician

 

1https://www.aap.org/en-us/advocacy-and-policy/aap-health-initiatives/Injury-Violence-Poison-Prevention/Pages/Health-Professionals-Air-Quality.aspx
 2https://molekule.science/air-quality-and-kids-how-to-keep-them-safe-from-pollution/
 3https://www.lung.org/clean-air/at-home/keep-pollution-out-home
 4BC Wolverton; WL Douglas ; K bounds (1989) Interior landscape plants for indoor air pollution abatement. NASA- NASA- TM- 101766.



Other Drs' Advices

What is considered a safe environment for my toddler?

The need to feel secure and stable at home is important to everyone, but children especially need to feel this. Having a place where they are physically, socially and emotionally secure is imperative…

Read More

Flu virus: How do I prevent it?

Young children are at a high risk of developing serious flu-related complications. The major prevention measure is to get vaccinated. A flu vaccine offers the best defense against flu and its…

Read More

Is my child at risk of developing bronchitis? What are the signs?

Bronchitis is an aggravation of the large breathing tube (bronchi) in the lungs. The illness can be short term or long term. Acute bronchitis implies that the symptoms develop quickly and don’t…

Read More