Environmental Air Pollution Stress on Children's Development

As a person that lives and grew up in New York City, I have been breathing unhealthy air all of my life. I presently live next to a major highway and next to a major airport, JFK. I have survived any illness related to respiratory diseases so far but I don't know what the future will bring. Many of the elders on my block died of cancer and the air pollution may have veen a contributing factor.Many countries are struggling with air pollution. East Asia tops the list claiming more than one million deaths from fine particulate matter. The air pollution has a direct impact on childhood asthma here in New York and in Asia. The smog can be so bad that children in Asia miss school. Birth defects and bronchitis can also occur. (Greenpeace,2013). One solution being used in NYC and Asia is the use of hybrid buses and city vehicles to reduce emissions. NYC is rated 16th among the top 25 American cities who experience air pollution. Another solution being provided in NYC is the planting of trees. MillionTrees NYC is an environmental program that reforests city streets, parks and homes. I participate in planting tree events every year with my kids. We have planted in areas that were burnt down previously or neglected. Trees reduce the amount of pollutants in the city air. More thatn 2 million people globally lose their lives each year due to reduced air quality.(Quigley, 2013). Besides the issue of respiratory diseases, children's cognitive health can also be affected because of air pollution. Researchers have done studies and proven that children exposed to high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH's) can significantly have lower scores on standardized tests. These lower cores can lead to increased stress in school.(Columbia University, 2013). Global solutions include using non toxic cleaning products, driving hybrid or battery operated cars, unplugging appliances when not in use and the increase of planting trees and houseplants. References Columbia University.(2013). Children's cognitive ability can be affected by mothers exposure to urban air pollutants. Retrieved from http://www.mailman.columbia.edu/events/children%E2%80%99s-cognitive-aility-can-be-affected-mother%E2%80%99s-exposure-urban-air-pollutants Greenpeace. (2013). The problems of air pollution. Retrieved from http://www.greenpeace.org/eastasia/campaigns/air-pollution/problems MillionTrees. (2013). About Million Trees NYC. Retrieved from http://www.milliontreesnyc.org/html/about/about.shtml Quigley, J.T. (2013,Jul18). Killer smog:East Asia, India, Southeast Asia top global air pollution. The Diplomat. Retrieved from http://thediplomat.com/asia-life/2013/07/killer-smog-east-asia-india-southeast-asia-top-global-air-pollution/