Air quality is important for staying healthy. However, this quality can impact more or less strongly the development of certain pathologies depending on the person. Indeed, there is a part of the population which is more sensitive to it such as for example pregnant women, asthmatics, immunocompromised people, elderly people and children. So what about your baby? What should you know to avoid unnecessary exposure to air pollution?
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Exposure to outdoor pollution
Exposure to indoor pollution
Why such a difference in sensitivity between baby and adult?
Tips to protect your baby
Exposure to outdoor pollution </ h3>
The pollutants that are mainly found are fine particles PM10 and PM2.5, NO2, ozone and SO2. A pregnant woman who is highly exposed during her pregnancy will be at risk of giving birth to a smaller baby who is more prone to developing health problems. The sources of these pollutants are diverse and are found nearby busy roads, bus stop, but also in the metro … So it is better during walks to avoid this type of place and favor parks rich in vegetation. During some peaks pollution, information is communicated in order to avoid going out and letting children practice physical activities.
Exposure to indoor pollution
Indoor air pollutants are mainly fine particles, VOCs (volatile organic compounds), phthalates, fibers, mold, carbon monoxide, tobacco smoke. Exposure to these pollutants can cause allergies, eczema, asthma and respiratory tract irritation.
The sources of these pollutants are sometimes unsuspected: cooking, cleaning, “purifying” your interior with diffusers of essential oils or incense or living in a humid environment are examples.
More information on air quality and its impact on health, here.
Difference in sensitivity between baby and adult
- Their lungs are still developing and air pollution can interfere with biological processes
- Their bodies are less able to remove pollutants
- Their brains are still developing and neurotoxic pollutants can interfere with this process
- They breathe more air per minute relative to their body mass than an adult
- They are more active and therefore inhale more air
Tips for protecting your baby
- Do not smoke next to it and avoid exposing it in environments where there are smokers
- Ventilate new furniture and toys that are sources of VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
- Do not use essential oils, incense, candles and strong household chemical products
- Do not obstruct the ventilation ducts
- Don’t scent your baby
- Do not hesitate to take the stroller and walk rather than the car whose cabin is often more polluted than the outside air.
- Unfortunately do not put everything on plants, their depolluting virtues are negligible in spaces as large as a room in a house.
You will find more information and good everyday gestures on the application Meersens , the guardian of your health.
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