Infants and other children being pushed in strollers are 60 percent more exposed to air pollution than adults, a British study has shown. This occurs because they are closer to the ground and car exhaust pipes, reports BBC.
The health risk for them is greater because their bodies are small and still developing. Scientists from the University of Surrey concluded in their research that infants breathe air at a height of 0.55 to 0.85 meters above the ground. Since pollution levels are highest at heights up to one meter above the ground, these children inhale 60 percent more polluted particles than adults, evidence shows.
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– Given that these are vulnerable beings due to the development of tissues, the immune system, and the brain at this early stage of life, it is concerning that they are exposed to such high levels of pollution, said research leader Prashant Kumar.
How to Protect Children?
Parents can protect their children by moving strollers away from the busiest roads, as pollution is highest near them. A cover on the stroller may also help, Kumar adds.
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Scientists in this study did not address whether certain types of strollers are better or worse when it comes to exposure to pollution. The study was published in the journal Environment International – here is an excerpt.
