Healthy Air, Healthy Brains: Advancing Air Pollution Policy to Protect Children's Health

Am J Public Health. 2019 Apr;109(4):550-554. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2018.304902. Epub 2019 Feb 21.

Abstract

Evidence is growing on the adverse neurodevelopmental effects of exposure to combustion-related air pollution. Project TENDR (Targeting Environmental Neurodevelopmental Risks), a unique collaboration of leading scientists, health professionals, and children's and environmental health advocates, has identified combustion-related air pollutants as critical targets for action to protect healthy brain development. We present policy recommendations for maintaining and strengthening federal environmental health protections, advancing state and local actions, and supporting scientific research to inform effective strategies for reducing children's exposures to combustion-related air pollution. Such actions not only would improve children's neurological development but also would have the important co-benefit of climate change mitigation and further improvements in other health conditions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Air Pollutants / adverse effects*
  • Air Pollution / adverse effects*
  • Air Pollution / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Child
  • Child Development / physiology
  • Child Health*
  • Environmental Exposure / adverse effects*
  • Environmental Exposure / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Humans
  • Particulate Matter / adverse effects
  • Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons / adverse effects

Substances

  • Air Pollutants
  • Particulate Matter
  • Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons