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Outdoor air pollution and acute respiratory infections among children in developing countries
Isabelle Romieu1, Jonathan M Samet, Kirk R Smith
1Instituto Nacional de Salud Publica, 655 Avenida Universidad, Col Santa Maria Ahuacatitlan, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62508 Mexico. iromieu@correo.insp.mx
Insights
Outdoor air pollution significantly increases the risk of acute respiratory infections (ARIs) in children, leading to higher mortality and morbidity rates in developing nations. Addressing air quality is crucial for child health.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pediatrics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) are a leading cause of childhood illness and death globally, particularly in developing regions.
- Outdoor air pollution is a significant environmental factor impacting public health, especially for vulnerable populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the association between outdoor air pollutants and pediatric ARI mortality and morbidity.
- To identify the impact of air pollution on respiratory health in children.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of studies identified through MEDLINE and other electronic databases.
- Analysis of epidemiological data, including infant mortality, short-term follow-up, and time-series studies.
Main Results:
- Four studies indicated a correlation between increased outdoor air pollution and higher infant mortality.
- Evidence suggests air pollutants are risk factors for respiratory infections, increasing incidence of upper and lower respiratory infections in children.
- Complex pollution mixtures in urban areas prevent the determination of specific pollutant thresholds for ARI risk.
Conclusions:
- Outdoor air pollution is a critical risk factor for pediatric ARIs, contributing to mortality and morbidity.
- Children in developing countries may face heightened risks due to concurrent poor environmental and nutritional conditions.
- Further research is needed to establish specific pollutant levels and their impact on ARI risk.
Abstract:
Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) are the most common cause of illness and death in children in the developing world. This review focuses on outdoor air pollutants associated with pediatric ARI mortality and morbidity. Studies were identified using MEDLINE and other electronic databases. Four studies showed an increase in infant mortality in relation to outdoor air pollution. Short-term follow-up and time-series studies suggest that air pollutants act as risk factors for respiratory infection. Air pollution exposure increases the incidence of upper- and lower-respiratory infections in children. Because complex pollution mixtures are present in the studied urban areas, pollutant levels at which ARI risk would be expected to increase cannot be determined. Children may be at greater risk, given the poor environmental and nutritional conditions prevalent in developing countries.