Childhood obesity linked to air pollution

Despite efforts to tackle childhood obesity in the US, it is still a major problem for many families. According to the National Survey of Children’s Health, more than 15% of children aged between 10 and 17 are obese. So why, even with increased education and changes in legislation, are thousands of American children still dangerously overweight?

Much of the focus so far has been on improving diet and increasing exercise. But this only addresses part of the problem. There is growing evidence to suggest a child’s environment, specifically poor air quality, may also play a part.

Scientists from Spain have been looking at how pollutants can affect a child’s health. A significant number of children studied were exposed to unsafe levels of air pollution, both at home and at school. 75% were exposed to dangerously high levels of PM2.5 and 50% of children were exposed to toxic levels of Nitrogen Dioxide. Scientists believe these pollutants contribute to oxidative stress, insulin resistance and systemic inflammation, all factors that can increase a child’s chance of developing obesity.

And this isn’t the first time scientists have linked child obesity to air quality. A research team from the Keck School of Medicine carried out a study a few years ago. They found that exposure to second hand smoke and pollution from vehicles could also play a part.

Our air purifiers have been clinically proven to reduce levels of PM2.5, Nitrogen Dioxide and nicotine in the home. The very same pollutants scientists believe are causing the obesity problem.

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