Week 11: Children's Environmental Health
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Environmental threats as burden of disease
Make up to 1/3 global burden of disease 40% of this burden falls on children under 5 - about 10% of the worlds population Most of these deaths are due to dangers present in the environment
Biological differences in children
Immature developing organs and tissues are more vulnerable to harm from toxic exposures Immature metabolic and physiological systems less effectively protect the children from toxic exposure and effects
Children’s additional pathways to exposure
In utero, breast milk, toys, clothing Children breathe more air and consume more food/water in proportion to their weight More often involuntarily exposed and unable to avoid exposures on their own
Three children’s health issues
Increased toxicity of the environment Climate change Nature interaction deficit
Increasing toxicity of the environment
70-100 thou chemicals registered, little is known about toxicity of 75% of these Children are at risk, esp. during embryonic, fetal, early and puberty development 30% of burden of disease in children is due to chemical exposures and injuries
Pesticides
Food, lawns
Climate change
Result of excess concentrations of greenhouse gases introduced in the atmosphere Positive feedback loop between biodiversity loss and climate change Driven by fossil fuel combustion and land use change
Children are more vulnerable to air pollution
80% of alveoli form postnatally Higher minute ventilation and breathing height More physical activity More time outdoors
Children’s challenges with extreme heat
Less able to regulate body temperature Infants completely reliant on adults to keep safe Less able to recognize signs of heat stress As well, air quality is usually worse during heat waves
Environmental generational amnesia
Shifting baseline syndrome With each generation, the belief of what is pristine nature is progressively degraded
Children’s lack of of outdoor experience associated with:
Reduction in cognitive performance Reduction in physical activity Reduction in willingness to protect biodiversity Reduction in ability to deal with stress
Benefits of exposure to nature
Diversity in play, creativity, language development, collaboration Stimulation of social interaction and empathy Development of affinity for nature Improvements in cognitive development Advances in motor fitness and reduction in illness Restorative functions (increased concentration) among children with ADHD