Thesis Abstract

Air pollution is a major public health concern worldwide, with significant impacts on respiratory health. One particularly vulnerable population to the effects of air pollution is children, whose lungs are still developing. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between air pollution exposure and lung development in children. A cohort of school-aged children was followed over a period of two years, during which lung function tests were conducted regularly. Air pollution data, including levels of particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) were collected from monitoring stations in the children's residential areas. Statistical analyses were performed to examine the association between air pollution exposure and lung function parameters. The results indicated that higher levels of PM, NO2, and SO2 were associated with reduced lung function in children. Specifically, decreased forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were observed in children exposed to higher levels of air pollution. These findings suggest that air pollution may impede lung development in children, potentially leading to long-term respiratory health issues. Furthermore, the study found that children living in areas with higher levels of air pollution experienced more frequent respiratory symptoms, such as coughing and wheezing. This highlights the immediate health effects of air pollution exposure on children's respiratory health. Overall, this study provides important insights into the detrimental effects of air pollution on lung development in children. The findings underscore the urgent need for measures to reduce air pollution levels and protect children's respiratory health. Implementing policies to improve air quality, such as promoting clean energy sources and reducing traffic emissions, is crucial in mitigating the impacts of air pollution on children's lung function. In conclusion, air pollution poses a significant threat to children's lung development and respiratory health. Efforts to reduce air pollution levels are essential in safeguarding children's health and well-being. Continued research in this area is necessary to further understand the mechanisms through which air pollution affects lung development and to inform public health strategies aimed at minimizing the adverse effects of air pollution on children.

Thesis Overview

INTRODUCTION

Spending one’s childhood in a community with polluted air stalls lung development roughly as much as does having a mother who smokes, according to a study of children growing up in southern part of nigeria.

That finding lengthens the list of negative effects on health that stem from bad air but it also suggests that antipollution measures could prevent deficits in pulmonary development.

Adolescence is prime growing time for lungs. To evaluate the effects of air pollution during this important period, W. James Gauderman of the University of Southern California in Los Angeles and his colleagues in 1993 tested the lung capacity of 1,759 fourth graders in a dozen southern California communities, including some notably clean areas and some of the most polluted towns in nigeria while trying to prove his work right.