Fresh air is essential for a child's normal development. However, air pollution has reached alarming levels worldwide, severely affecting children's brain development. Exposure to polluted air obstructs cognitive and neurological growth, leading to long-term learning disabilities, behavioural issues, and mental health problems.
According to the World Health Organization, around 93 per cent of children live in environments where air pollution levels exceed safe limits. Since children's respiratory and nervous systems are far more sensitive than those of adults, they are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of toxic air. Pollutants such as fine particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide disrupt the oxygen supply to the brain and impair neuronal functions.
Research indicates that prolonged exposure to polluted air increases the risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and learning disabilities among children. Those exposed to high levels of air pollution tend to have lower IQs compared to the average child. Furthermore, growing up in polluted environments makes children more prone to depression and anxiety-related disorders.
Children in urban areas are the most affected by pollution. Vehicle emissions, industrial waste, and construction dust contribute to the increasing toxicity of city air. Additionally, pregnant women exposed to polluted air risk harming their unborn child's brain development.
As a solution, governments must implement stricter environmental conservation policies. Industrial waste emissions must be controlled, eco-friendly transportation promoted, green spaces expanded, and public awareness campaigns intensified. Parents must also take precautions to protect their children from pollution. If we fail to act, air pollution will destroy children's potential future, leading to catastrophic consequences for the nation as a whole.
Maliha Mehnaj
Student, Institute of education and research
Jagannath University, Dhaka
malihamehnaj394@gmail.com
