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Air Pollution, Child Health, and Cognitive Development

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: This study investigates the impact of indoor air pollution exposure, assessed through blood carbon monoxide (CO) levels, on both the development and health outcomes of preschool-age children in Nigeria. Prior research often relies on ambient air pollution data, which presents limitations in resource-constrained settings. To address this, we employ a direct approach, measuring CO levels in participants’ blood using the Rad-57 CO-oximeter. Our analysis demonstrates a robust association between elevated CO levels and significantly reduced acquisition of gross motor, fine motor and problem-solving skills. CO also exerts a statistically significant negative impact on children’s health outcomes. In light of these findings, we discuss potential policy implications to mitigate these detrimental effects.

Source: The Journal of Development Studies

DOI: 10.1080/00220388.2024.2420024

Authors: Eleanya Nduka, Modupe Jimoh

Institutions: UK Energy Research Centre, University of Warwick

Language: English

Topic: Air Quality and Health Impacts

Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Funders: UK Research and Innovation, UK Energy Research Centre