Physically, children are more vulnerable to air pollution than adults because their respiratory defenses are not fully formed. Their airways are smaller, and more likely to become blocked when irritated. They breathe more rapidly, taking in more pollution per pound of body weight. Children also spend a lot of time outdoors. They play hard, and breathe hard. Finally, children generally do not acknowledge the effects of ozone exposure, even when they are experiencing significantly reduced breathing ability. So they are less likely than adults to protect themselves from further harm by reducing activity level or going inside.

Vehicular Pollution

   Carbon monoxide

Exposure to carbon monoxide makes people feel dizzy and tired and gives them headaches. Elderly people with heart disease are hospitalized more often when they are exposed to higher amounts of carbon monoxide.

   Ozone

Health effects attributed to ozone exposure include significant decreases in lung function and increased respiratory symptoms such as chest pain and cough. Ozone also affects vegetation and ecosystems, leading to reductions in agricultural crop and commercial forest yields. Visual impairment, reduced work capacity, reduced manual dexterity, poor learning ability, and difficulty in performing complex tasks are all associated with exposure to elevated CO levels.

   Lead

Exposure to lead occurs mainly through inhalation of air and ingestion of lead in food, water, soil, or dust. It accumulates in the blood, bones, and soft tissues and can adversely affect the kidneys, liver, nervous system, and other organs. Excessive exposure to lead may cause neurological impairments such as seizures, mental retardation, and behavioral disorders.

   Nitrogen dioxide

Long-term exposures to NO2 may lead to increased susceptibility to respiratory infection and may cause irreversible alterations in lung structure.

   Particulate matter

Particles that are small enough to get into the lungs & can cause numerous health problems and have been linked with illnesses and deaths from heart and lung diseases.Particles can aggravate respiratory conditions such as asthma and bronchitis Airborne particles also can impact vegetation and ecosystems and can cause damage to paints and building materials.

   Sulfur dioxide

SO2 in ambient air is associated with asthma, aggravation of existing cardiovascular disease, respiratory illness.

Together, SO2 and NOx are the major precursors to acidic deposition (acid rain), which is associated with the acidification of soils, lakes, and streams and accelerated corrosion of buildings and monuments.