Evaluating the Effects of Air Pollution on Children’s Pulmonary Health

Abstract

The aim of the chapter was to assess the differences in pulmonary function between children residing in Tirana's suburban and urban areas. The city of Tirana is experiencing significant population growth and severe air pollution, particularly from particulate matter. These issues are caused by motor vehicle traffic, the expansion of the building industry, and the city's dense population.

This survey was conducted on 238 children living in urban areas and 72 children living in suburban areas between 2004 and 2005, assessing dynamic pulmonary function. A questionnaire was utilized to collect data on sex, present respiratory problems, physician-diagnosed allergies, parent education and smoking habits, presence of animals, synthetic carpets, and molds in their homes, and so on. The schools and children involved in this study were chosen using a randomized way. We have also measured and classified air contaminants.

We found that when we compared the pulmonary function values of two groups of children, the differences were substantial (p 0.001), however when we compared symptoms, the differences were for cough (p 0.011) and phlegm (p 0.032). The levels of particulate matter (PM10) and total suspended matter (TSP) were over the recommended maximum values, whereas the levels of other pollutants were within the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.

According to the survey's findings, children's respiratory health is influenced by air pollution, and children living in urban areas have somewhat worse pulmonary function values than children living in suburban areas.