The basis of a healthy life

Although children naturally build up internal defense mechanisms, there are dangers to which they must not be exposed. A crucial one is air pollution: children are more vulnerable to air pollution than adults, because their bodies do not yet have the protective mechanisms of an adult. In addition to that, they are physically more active, which means that they breathe faster and inhale more pollutants into still smaller lungs.

As far as the physical and mental development of a child is concerned, the first two years are particularly important. Especially during this period, the immune system and the brain are developing fast. So it is obvious that children grow up and learn better when they are surrounded by clean air. Breathing clean air makes it easier for them to concentrate, to think clearly and to process information and impressions. It is assumed that bacterial and viral infections, for example, can also temporarily hinder the development of a child. Those little ones who are constantly sick might be at a disadvantage. Therefore, it is essential to provide children clean air at home, daycare, kindergarten and school.?

Children's exposure levels to toxicants and pollutants are much higher than adults as they have faster metabolic rates, proportionally consume more water and food and breathe more air.

Parents all over the world are attaching more and more importance to the fact that children need to breathe clean air. Avoiding busy roads, banning chemicals from the home and buying certified furniture or toys is no longer considered to be over-cautious behavior. In some regions, air purifiers are gaining importance in family households. However, the awareness varies from country to country. In European cities, for example, the issue has not yet penetrated sufficiently: bicycles with child trailers positioning the child’s head at exhaust level still are popular.

Children's sleep

Regeneration during sleep is enormously?important for children. It has to be?considered that air pollution can impact?their sleep quality and with this most?probably also their development. Continuous non-recovery might increase the?risk of a child suffering from asthma and?pneumonia, which are the most common?childhood respiratory diseases.

For more information please visit:?www.sensirion.com/indoor-air-quality

You can download our indoor air quality brochure as a PDF. Learn which environmental parameters are important and what you can do to improve your health and well-being.