A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
Children's health and vulnerability in outdoor microclimates: A comprehensive review
Abstract Background Children are routinely identified as a vulnerable population in environmental health risk assessments, experiencing adverse health outcomes due to exposure to a suite of atmospheric constituents. Objective To provide a substantive overview of the research literature pertaining to biometeorological effects on children. Key information areas within urban environmental health research related to atmospheric variables (heat, air pollution, radiation) are assessed and integrated to better understand health outcomes and vulnerabilities in children. Critical avenues for improvement and understanding of children's health related to such biophysical parameters are also identified. Methods This comprehensive review assesses past and current primary studies, organizational reports, educational books, and review articles. Emphasis is placed on the differential ambient exposures to temperature, air pollution, and radiation within urban microclimates commonly used by children (e.g., schoolyards, urban parks), and the resulting health impacts. Discussion Exposure to heat, air pollution, and radiation are often enhanced in urban areas, specifically under the current design of the majority of outdoor child play places. Many heat indices, energy budget models, and health outcome studies fail to adequately parameterize children, yet those that do find enhanced vulnerability to ambient stressors, particularly heat and air pollution. Such environmental exposures relate strongly to behavior, activity, asthma, obesity, and overall child well-being. Current research indicates that a changing climate, growing urban population, and unsustainable design are projected to pose increasing complications. Conclusions Evidence-based research to link children's health, physiology, and behavior to atmospheric extremes is an important future research avenue, underscoring the fact that children are among the population groups disproportionately affected by ambient extremes. However, current methods and population-based models lack child-specific inputs and outputs, as well as designated thresholds for accurate predictions of child health impacts. More substantive evidence is needed for applicable child-specific policies and guidelines.
Highlights Children are vulnerable to heat, air pollution, and ultraviolet radiation exposures. Many outdoor spaces are not designed to ameliorate atmospheric stressors to children. Increased child morbidity due to extreme heat is more predominant than mortality. Evidence-based research is needed to accurately differentiate ambient effects on children. More substantive evidence is needed for child-specific guidelines and thresholds.
Children's health and vulnerability in outdoor microclimates: A comprehensive review
Abstract Background Children are routinely identified as a vulnerable population in environmental health risk assessments, experiencing adverse health outcomes due to exposure to a suite of atmospheric constituents. Objective To provide a substantive overview of the research literature pertaining to biometeorological effects on children. Key information areas within urban environmental health research related to atmospheric variables (heat, air pollution, radiation) are assessed and integrated to better understand health outcomes and vulnerabilities in children. Critical avenues for improvement and understanding of children's health related to such biophysical parameters are also identified. Methods This comprehensive review assesses past and current primary studies, organizational reports, educational books, and review articles. Emphasis is placed on the differential ambient exposures to temperature, air pollution, and radiation within urban microclimates commonly used by children (e.g., schoolyards, urban parks), and the resulting health impacts. Discussion Exposure to heat, air pollution, and radiation are often enhanced in urban areas, specifically under the current design of the majority of outdoor child play places. Many heat indices, energy budget models, and health outcome studies fail to adequately parameterize children, yet those that do find enhanced vulnerability to ambient stressors, particularly heat and air pollution. Such environmental exposures relate strongly to behavior, activity, asthma, obesity, and overall child well-being. Current research indicates that a changing climate, growing urban population, and unsustainable design are projected to pose increasing complications. Conclusions Evidence-based research to link children's health, physiology, and behavior to atmospheric extremes is an important future research avenue, underscoring the fact that children are among the population groups disproportionately affected by ambient extremes. However, current methods and population-based models lack child-specific inputs and outputs, as well as designated thresholds for accurate predictions of child health impacts. More substantive evidence is needed for applicable child-specific policies and guidelines.
Highlights Children are vulnerable to heat, air pollution, and ultraviolet radiation exposures. Many outdoor spaces are not designed to ameliorate atmospheric stressors to children. Increased child morbidity due to extreme heat is more predominant than mortality. Evidence-based research is needed to accurately differentiate ambient effects on children. More substantive evidence is needed for child-specific guidelines and thresholds.
Children's health and vulnerability in outdoor microclimates: A comprehensive review
Vanos, Jennifer K. (author)
Environmental International ; 76 ; 1-15
2014-11-25
15 pages
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
BSA , body surface area , eNO , exhaled nitrogen oxide , FEF , forced expiratory flow , FEV , forced expiratory volume , HR<inf>max</inf> , maximum heart rate , PMV , predicted mean vote , SDD , standard vitamin D dose , SVF , sky view factor , T<inf>mrt</inf> , mean radiation temperature , T<inf>sfc</inf> , surface temperature , UFP , ultrafine particles , UVB , ultraviolet radiation B , UVR , ultraviolet radiation , Environmental health , Children , Radiation , Air pollution , Heat stress , Urban climate , Vulnerable
Children's health and vulnerability in outdoor microclimates: A comprehensive review
| Online Contents | 2015
Urban Microclimates and Simulation
| Springer Verlag | 2013