Traffic exposure, air pollution and children's physical activity at early childhood education and care

A significant number of children attend Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC). ECEC is an important environment and behaviour setting for young children. Time spent outdoors is positively associated with children's physical activity levels, yet increased time spent physically active outdoors may expose young children to traffic-related air pollution, particularly in ECEC centres located in high traffic areas.

Citation:
Christian H, Lester L, Trost SG, Schipperijn J, Pereira G, Franklin P, et al. Traffic exposure, air pollution and children's physical activity at early childhood education and care. Int J Hyg Environ Health. 2022;240.

Keywords:
Air quality; Childcare; Children; Physical activity; Traffic emissions

Abstract:
A significant number of children attend Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC). ECEC is an important environment and behaviour setting for young children. Time spent outdoors is positively associated with children's physical activity levels, yet increased time spent physically active outdoors may expose young children to traffic-related air pollution, particularly in ECEC centres located in high traffic areas.