The impact of air pollution on babies' health

As we know, good health is also reflected in the quality of the air we breathe — and this is certainly true for babies! Indeed, the quality of the air we inhale can affect individuals differently. We are not all equally sensitive to pollution. And this is of course even more the case when it comes to an infant. But then, what is the impact of air pollution on babies' health, and what solutions exist to prevent it? We discuss this in more detail with you in this article.

The impact of air pollution on babies' health: what you need to know

Indeed, depending on the type of population, the impact of pollution varies. As a result, certain groups of people are more sensitive, including pregnant women, people with asthma, immunocompromised individuals, elderly people, and of course, in our specific case, babies! In addition, there are two types of pollution.

The two types of pollution

We will therefore talk about two types of pollution: on one hand, indoor pollution, and on the other, outdoor pollution. And pollution — whether indoor or outdoor — refers to ambient air that contains contaminating agents, whether physical, chemical, or biological in nature. These agents are likely to cause harm to our health. And the risks in this case are real — that is a fact.

The impact of outdoor air pollution on babies' health

Without going into too much technical detail on the subject, the most commonly found outdoor air pollutants are fine particles PM10 and PM2.5, NO2, ozone, and SO2. To give you an example, if a pregnant woman is heavily exposed to these particular particles during her pregnancy, she runs a greater risk of giving birth to a smaller baby.

We are talking here in terms of weight, but also this child may be more likely to develop health problems.

Urban areas are often more prone to this kind of polluted air in particular. This is because the pollutants mentioned above are frequently found near busy roads, bus stops, or underground stations.

As for the impact of indoor air pollution on babies' health

When we talk about polluted indoor air, the air pollutants involved are specifically fine particles such as volatile organic compounds, phthalates, fibres, mould, carbon monoxide, or tobacco smoke.

If a baby is exposed to an environment containing these particular pollutants, there is a much greater likelihood that they will develop allergies — such as eczema, asthma, and all forms of respiratory tract irritation.

It is not always easy to identify the precise causes of the presence of these pollutants. These can include, for example, cleaning, cooking, attempts to purify the air with essential oils, or simply the ambient humidity. All of these can be contributing factors.

Baby is sensitive: solutions to prevent exposure

Indeed, unlike adults, our little ones are more sensitive — particularly when it comes to the impact of air pollution on babies' health. And for good reason: their lungs are still developing. Equally, their bodies will find it more difficult to eliminate pollutants. Furthermore, a baby's brain is not yet fully developed.

They also breathe in more air per minute than we adults do.

For all these reasons, there are steps to take in order to prevent the impact of air pollution on your baby's health. Amongst other things, make sure to air out new furniture thoroughly. As well as new toys, which are a major source of volatile organic compound emissions. Furthermore, avoid essential oils.

As well as incense, candles and other chemical household products with strong fumes. Also make sure not to block ventilation ducts. Nor should you apply fragrance to your infant. Finally, favour the pram or the baby carrier and walking over the car — whose interior is often far more polluted than we might think. To conclude on the subject of the impact of air pollution on babies' health and the solutions to prevent it: when going out with your infant, favour parks rich in greenery.