The effect of environmental hazards on the health of the young

Abstract

The environment refers to the medium in which we exist. Our health depends on the ongoing events taking place in our surroundings. The environment can have direct or indirect hazardous effects on our health. Several noxious effects can reach us through ingestion, inhalation, and through contact with our skin. These hazards may also affect the unborn child, evading the protective and nurturing body of its mother. The environment is relatively more hazardous to infants and children because they are structurally and functionally different from adults. Children have a larger surface area to body weight ratio. Their higher metabolic rate requires more oxygen intake . They grow at a faster rate, especially during the first six months of their life. Some body organs are functionally immature at birth and organ maturity progresses at different rates. Children also need more energy and fluids per unit body weight compared to adults. Thus, the greater requirement of fluids, food and air makes them more vulnerable to environmental hazards.