Are children safe indoor from outdoor air pollution A short review英文文献资料.docVIP

Open Journal of Pediatrics, 2012, 2, 93-96 OJPed /10.4236/ojped.2012.22016 Published Online June 2012 (http://www.SciRP.org/journal/ojped/) Are children safe indoor from outdoor air pollution? A short review Giovanni Ghirga , Mara Pipere * International Society of Doctors for the Environment (ISDE), Rome, Italy * Email: gi8589pa@virgilio.it Received 6 February 2012; revised 24 March 2012; accepted 5 April 2012 ABSTRACT trogen oxides, benzene, mercury and other pollutants emitted by fossil fuel combustion (coal-burning power plants, waste incinerators, and diesel and gasoline-pow- ered vehicles) have been variously linked to infant mor- tality, lower birth weight, deficits in lung function, res- piratory symptoms, childhood asthma, developmental disorders, and cancer [1-8]. A recent analysis of 200 scientific articles showed that ultrafine particles (UFP, aerodynamic diameter less than 0.1 micron) are more powerful than the coarse particle fraction (CP, aerodynamic diameter 2.5 - 10 micron) and FP in inducing adverse effects to human health [9]. Un- fortunately, the study of mechanisms of action of these particles presents particular difficulties because of the large number of chemical and biological mechanisms that come into play in the body after exposure to ul- trafine particles. High concentrations of UFP near major freeways have been reported recently [10-13]. These results imply in- creased exposure to harmful pollutants in areas close to such hot spots. Pollutants of outdoor origin, including those present in the outdoor air and those released from soil sources, can be transported indoors via building openings and cracks [14-16]. Many urban residences and business are located in close proximity to busy roadways. Consequently, indoor environments in urban areas may experience significant concentrations of outdoor fine and UFP, exposing ten- ants to potentiall