Air Pollution Exposure in Children Can Trigger Respiratory and Brain Disorders

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Professor R. Budi Haryanto from the Faculty of Public Health, University of Indonesia (FKM UI), has stated that exposure to air pollution impacts children’s health, including the risk of affecting brain development and reducing lung function. According to him, high exposure to various air pollutants and sources of pollution, such as unhealthy low-emission fuels, can increase the risk of various chronic diseases. “So the risks are increasing, there are chronic diseases such as lung disorders, heart disease, and even stroke in children. It is no longer just an adult problem, because the high exposure makes this a problem for children as well,” said Prof Budi at an International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) event in Jakarta on Tuesday. On the other hand, the active behaviour of children increases their need for air. In normal conditions, he exemplified, a person breathes every 3 seconds, or 20 times a minute. However, when active, the breathing frequency can increase to 30 times or even double when running, cycling, and so on. “Imagine, a normal single breath takes in about 500 ml of air, or say 9 cubic metres per minute. If the frequency increases, it becomes two or three times as much. Just imagine what is entering the lungs in greater quantities and at a faster rate,” he added. He gave the example of small particulate matter like PM2.5, which can enter the bloodstream from the lungs, then spread to the heart and circulate throughout the body. Long-term exposure can trigger various diseases such as asthma, pneumonia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). “Then bronchitis, impaired lung function, especially if it is long term, this will develop into lung diseases like COPD,” he said. “If we examine it, this is linked to a decrease in IQ, so if you look at their report cards, their academic achievement scores are not high, it is all about the brain. Essentially, the central nervous system is disrupted, and everything related to the brain is affected,” he added.