Children are more vulnerable to poor air quality, according to a recent study conducted in Dundee, Scotland. The research, led by Prof Jill Belch from the University of Dundee’s medical school, revealed that increased air pollution has a greater impact on children, leading to more hospital admissions for lung conditions compared to adults.
The study, which spanned 14 years and examined 35,000 cases in Tayside, found that young people may be susceptible to much lower levels of pollution than adults. This underscores the need for measures to address air pollution, such as the implementation of low emission zones.
Mapping hospital admissions against elevated levels of air pollution, the research highlighted that individuals under 16 were significantly affected, with a higher number of admissions for asthma and chest infections following a decline in air quality. It was estimated that only around half of these admissions would have occurred if pollution levels had been within legal limits.
The report emphasized the association between higher levels of air pollution over a two-week period and increased hospital admissions among children, a correlation not observed in adults. This underscores the urgency to enhance and enforce air pollution limits in urban areas to safeguard the health of children.
Prof Jill Belch emphasized the vulnerability of children’s developing lungs to toxins, stating that while adults may not be as severely impacted, children are highly susceptible to the adverse effects of air pollution. She stressed the importance of reducing pollution to protect children, particularly due to their outdoor activities and the vulnerability of dividing cells to air pollution.
Despite Scotland having stringent air pollution laws, the study highlighted challenges in their implementation. Prof Belch advocated for the support of low emission zone projects as a means to ensure the safety of children. Glasgow’s low emissions zone, which was implemented in 2023, serves as an example, with plans for similar schemes in Aberdeen, Dundee, and Edinburgh.
Notably, vehicles that fail to meet emission standards are prohibited from entering city centers in these low emission zones, with penalties for non-compliance. This initiative aligns with the broader global concern over air pollution, as the World Health Organization estimates that it contributes to approximately 6.7 million premature deaths annually.
The study’s findings underscore the critical need to address air pollution, particularly for the protection of children’s health. With the implementation of low emission zones and strict enforcement of pollution limits, efforts can be made to mitigate the impact of air pollution on vulnerable populations, ultimately contributing to a healthier environment for all.
