Air pollution has been associated with increased asthma episodes. Although a causal relationship has not yet been clearly established, we know children breathe faster than adults and are more likely to breathe through their mouths. The nose filters as much as 90 percent of pollutants from the airways, so breathing through the mouth allows disproportionately more pollutants to enter the lungs. Thus, children appear to be particularly susceptible to soot and other small particles in the air. Specific air pollutants targeted for their role in either triggering or aggravating asthma include diesel fumes, sulfur dioxide from power and paper industries, and nitrogen dioxide from vehicle exhaust and gas ovens.
Stratospheric ozone protects life by absorbing harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
Unstable ozone molecules degrade organic matter such as leaves, rubber, paint, and even human respiratory tissue. Decreased lung capacity and shortness of breath are often symptoms of ozone damage to the respiratory system. These children, because of their age, are particularly vulnerable to environmental health hazards. The natural curiosity of these young children exposes them to health risks that adults easily avoid. When young children crawl on the ground or the floor or play outside, they may be exposed to potentially contaminated dust and soil, lead paint, residual household cleaning chemicals, lawn and garden chemicals, and other potentially hazardous substances.