Children's physical activity and air pollution

There is now ample evidence that physical activity is an integral part of a healthy lifestyle as it contributes to a significant reduction in the risk of developing chronic diseases and improves mental health and wellbeing. Education for regular movement and healthy eating helps children to grow in good health and to prevent the problem of overweight, obesity and numerous diseases of young and adult age. As suggested by the American Academy of Pediatrics, children should practice at least 60 minutes of diversified and fun-filled physical activity per day. There is no better sport than another: it is important that physical activity is varied and fun, preferably in the open air, although exercising outdoors can expose children and adolescents to air pollution that can have adverse effects especially on respiratory health. The main air pollutants which can damage airways are: benzene, sulfur dioxide (SO2), particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 2,5 microm (PM2.5 ) and less than 10 microm (PM10), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and carbon monoxide (CO). Similarly to outdoor pollutants, indoor pollution is a problem of considerable relevance for respiratory health in developmental age, in consideration of the fact that children spend more than 90% of their time indoors. Several studies suggested an association between increment of indoor concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 and increased incidence of asthma and exertion asthma symptoms. In this context the pediatrician plays a role of primary importance not only as responsible for the health of the child but also as an educator and promoter of a healthy lifestyle. This report summarizes the latest scientific knowledge on the link between exposure to air pollution and adverse health effects in children and aims to underscore the importance to achieve the involvement of the global health community, in particular health authorities, in order to reduce the burden of air pollution with the ultimate goal of promoting children's health and climate benefits.