HARMFUL EFFECTS OF AMBIENT AIR POLLUTION ON DEVELOPING CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM OF GROWING CHILDREN: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Air pollution affects developing nervous system of growing children in various ways and it has adverse effects on cognition, mood and behaviours of children. Urban residents suffer from the harmful effects of air pollution more than rural children. Whenever the natural epithelial barriers are breached such as nasal, skin and blood brain barrier. How these toxicants in polluted air damage the developing nervous system is not fully elucidated. The most plausible hypothesis proposed is that neuroinflamamtion produced by these pollutants accelerate apoptosis and other cell death processes and thereby neuronal loss and cognitive impairment subsequently. Although the neuroinflammation caused by these pollutants often causes damage to the central nervous system of all age groups, but children are more prone to toxic effects of these pollutants. Carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide and dioxide and lead are some of these pollutants. Various countries are trying several legislations and innovations to reduce air pollution, especially developed countries of Western world.

Keywords: air pollution; children; central nervous system