Respiratory Illness and Environmental Pollution

Environmental pollution presently impedes the development of world's economy and threatens human health. Persons of all ages are affected but children in their developmental period are more vulnerable. The unique biologic characteristics and behaviours of children make them vulnerable to environmental toxicants. Several kinds of airborne hazardous pollutants have been determined to impact adversely human health. They can be outdoor (Oxides of Nitrogen, Sulphur dioxide, Suspended particulate maters and Ozone and photochemical oxidants, Carbon monoxide, lead, Benzene, Aldehyde and Polyaromatic hydrocarbons etc) or indoor pollutants (Dust mites, Cockroaches, Fungi and Pollens, pets and Viruses and bacteria, cigarette and environmental tobacco smoke, Mosquito coil, Formaldehyde and Volatile organic compounds). According to World health organisation (WHO) at least 3 million children die each year from causes related to the environment The major health hazards include: increased upper and lower respiratory tract infections, trigger of asthma and allergic rhinitis. Long term exposure may lead to poor pulmonary function.