Poor AQI may harm your child’s learning and memory: study

Children and the elderly are believed to suffer the most from the negative effects of air pollution. While it is known that bad air can affect respiratory function, ultimately leading to coughing and wheezing and serious illness, many of us are not aware that air pollution can also affect children’s cognitive development. Children’s memory and cognitive abilities are affected by exposure to ammonium nitrate, a major source of particulate matter 2.5 pollution and a byproduct of agricultural emissions, according to a recent study conducted by the University of Southern California.

The study, published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, was conducted on nearly 8,600 children ages 9-11 from across the United States. The researchers used spatiotemporal models to analyze annual levels of exposure to PM2.5 components. Megan Herting, study author and professor of population and public health sciences at the University of Southern California, said: “The most compelling finding was that ammonium nitrate particles are associated with impaired learning and memory. This suggests that overall PM2.5 is one thing, but for cognition it is a mixed effect of what you are exposed to.”

PM 2.5, a mixture of dust, soot, organic compounds and metals with particle diameters less than 2.5 micrometers, accounts for the bulk of air pollution. It can enter the bloodstream and cross the highly selective blood-brain barrier after penetrating deep into the lungs, which can lead to serious health problems.

Ammonium nitrate increases the risk of age-related diseases, including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, which impair memory and cognition, according to earlier research conducted by the National Institutes of Health. This suggests that chronic exposure to PM2.5 may affect neurocognition throughout the lifespan.

What can parents do to protect their children from air pollution?

1. Stay informedKeep track of your child’s outdoor activities by monitoring local weather warnings and air quality information. Parents should regularly discuss any health concerns with their child’s doctor.
2. Check for symptomsPoor air quality can negatively impact children’s lungs, which can lead to or worsen respiratory conditions, including bronchitis and asthma. Signs of difficulty breathing such as coughing and wheezing are indications. If this happens, parents should contact their child’s healthcare provider and try to steer the child away from the cause of the poor air quality.
3. I prefer indoor classesLimit or stop outdoor activities on days with poor air quality. Instead, parents are encouraged to encourage indoor exercise and play. If children are outdoors, make sure they do not engage in physically strenuous activities as this will require them to breathe quickly and deeply. To filter out harmful particles, you might also consider allowing children to wear KN95 masks outside.
4. Keep the environment cleanUse filters and air purifiers to minimize indoor pollution, and keep windows closed on days with poor air quality to prevent smoke from entering your home. Consider moving to a place with better air quality until the situation improves.
5. Train your babyEncourage your children to learn the value of protecting the environment and the negative health effects of pollution. They can form sustainable habits by taking simple steps such as planting trees, using public transport and supporting environmental causes.