Air Pollution from Road Transport Harms Our Children

A study conducted by scientists from Jagiellonian University leaves no doubt. It is not only the burning of whatever is available in household heating systems and “low emissions” from domestic heating sources that affect children’s mental and physical health. Particularly harmful are elevated concentrations of NO₂, or nitrogen dioxide, which is emitted by older diesel-powered vehicles.

Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) is a gas that spreads over a relatively short distance – several dozen to around one hundred metres from heavily trafficked roads. Its concentration depends on how “polluting” the vehicles travelling on these roads are. The intensity of road traffic is also significant, particularly in sensitive locations such as areas around schools and kindergartens, as well as streets lined with residential buildings and houses.

In large cities, emissions from road transport may account for as much as 60–80% of air pollution!

Children are particularly vulnerable to particulate matter, because their immune systems are not yet fully developed and their brains are still developing. It should also be remembered that children breathe more intensively than adults, which means that they inhale larger amounts of pollutants.

Asthma, problems with concentration and learning, and even reduced cognitive abilities are among the most common problems affecting children as a result of air pollution.

Exposure to benzene from vehicle exhaust during the prenatal period and early childhood is associated with an increased risk of developing acute leukaemia. Prenatal exposure to air pollution during pregnancy may also increase the risk of developing acute leukaemia and tumours of the nervous system, such as astrocytomas.

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