Children who wear masks when going out, do breathing exercises, and live in clean, well-ventilated environments may be less affected by air pollution.
Air pollution can have negative health effects on both adults and children. To reduce this impact, parents can refer to some of the ways to protect children below.
Keep your house clean
According to the American Lung Association (ALA), poor indoor air quality contributes to respiratory diseases and infections. Long-term exposure to asbestos can lead to pulmonary fibrosis and difficulty breathing. Pet hair, cockroaches, dust mites, mold, pollen, cigarette smoke, wood stoves, gas stoves… also affect the living space. It increases the risk of asthma, respiratory infections, coughs, allergies.
Mop and vacuum regularly to remove mold, pet hair, and dust. This also helps protect your child’s overall health.
Use air purifier
Large cities, urban areas, and industrial areas have higher levels of pollution than rural areas or smaller towns and cities. In addition to cleaning and vacuuming, air purifiers draw in indoor air for a deeper clean. Pollutants are processed through the filter and the clean air is returned to the room. Products with a particulate absorption (HEPA) filter can also remove very small, harmful particles from the air.
Ventilation system installation
Opening windows and doors regularly helps to remove pollutants. However, if the air quality outside is poor, near a highway or industrial area, you should limit opening the house doors because dust can enter the house. In this case, using a ventilation system with an exhaust fan can help. Good ventilation makes the air fresh, improves health and saves energy.
Make children wear masks when going out
Parents should wear masks for their children when going out on days with poor air quality. This habit helps children avoid inhaling too much toxic air and limits exposure to disease sources from sick people or animals.
Parents should limit their children’s exposure to pollution and sunlight. Encourage children to wear hats and use sunscreen with SPF 15 if the temperature and pollution levels are too high.
Prioritize going to a fresh place
Children aged 0-5 have weak immune systems and are at higher risk of developing lung problems. Parks with lots of trees to play in and less pollution are healthy places for children. Being in fresh nature can provide oxygen, healing damaged respiratory tracts.
Limit going out when pollution is high
Air pollution combined with high temperatures has a worse effect on children. Children should limit their outdoor activities during these days. Parents should regularly monitor the air quality index to notice changes in quality and take appropriate countermeasures.
Breathing exercises
Parents should teach their children good respiratory hygiene and practice breathing every day so that their lungs can recover better. Breathing exercises also help purify the lungs and promote the respiratory process.
Pursed lip breathing: Sit on the floor, relax your neck and shoulders, and slowly inhale through your nose for a count of two. Keep your mouth closed, pursing your lips as if you were about to whistle. Then exhale slowly and gently through pursed lips. Repeat 4-5 times.
Alternate nostril breathing: Sit comfortably with your spine straight; use your right finger to close your right nostril, inhale through your left nostril, then use your hand to close your left nostril. Open your right nostril and exhale. Do this for about 4-6 minutes.