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Abstract
The growth of urban areas, accompanied by an increase in air pollution, represents a significant public health challenge, especially for children. Early exposure to urban pollutants, such as particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ozone (O3), has been associated with an increased risk of respiratory diseases, including asthma, bronchitis and respiratory infections. This study aims to analyze the effects of the urban environment on children’s respiratory health, identifying the main risk factors associated with urban pollution and proposing strategies to mitigate its impacts. The literature review explores the impacts of air pollution on children’s respiratory health, analyzing environmental factors, socioeconomic disparities, mitigation and protection strategies. Publications between 2019 and 2023 were included, with a focus on peer-reviewed articles indexed in international journals. The analysis covers studies on environmental pollution, indoor air quality, the effects of urbanization and vegetation, as well as reviews and meta-analyses investigating global trends and practical solutions. Scientific evidence indicates that children living in urban areas with high levels of pollution have a higher prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases, such as asthma and respiratory allergies. In addition, early contact with pollutants compromises lung development, resulting in lower respiratory capacity in adulthood. Studies show that sources of pollution, such as vehicle emissions and urban fires, are the main contributors to poor air quality. Pollution reduction policies, such as emission controls and urban green areas, have shown a positive impact on children’s health. Therefore, the urban environment plays a crucial role in children’s respiratory health, and it is necessary to implement preventive and educational actions to reduce exposure to pollutants. Investments in sustainable infrastructure and continuous monitoring of air quality can minimize negative impacts, promoting a healthier environment for children’s development.
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