KingArthurDotCom

French Translation | Spanish Translation
by Daniel Brouse and The Membrane Domain

The three most dangerous naturally occurring threats to our children may very well be breathing, the sun, and bugs. We do not intend to downplay the most dangerous threat to children -- adults. But, this article is aimed at adults that are trying to help the youth of the world.

I. Breathing

Unfortunately, the air quality in many cities is not fit to breath. Ozone, particle pollution, UV, and smoke from wildfires create serious health risks. The more active a child is in the outdoors the more they are at risk. Ozone is of grave concern. " In the Earth's lower atmosphere, near ground level, ozone is formed when pollutants emitted by cars, power plants, industrial boilers, refineries, chemical plants, and other sources react chemically in the presence of sunlight. Ozone at ground level is a harmful air pollutant." Ozone irritates your respiratory system, reduces lung function, inflames and damages the cells that line the lungs, makes your lungs more susceptible to infection, aggravates asthma and allergies, aggravates other chronic lung diseases (such as emphysema and bronchitis) and causes permanent lung damage.
"Repeated short-term ozone damage to children’s developing lungs may lead to reduced lung function in adulthood. In adults, ozone exposure may accelerate the natural decline in lung function that occurs with age." -- the Environmental Protection Agency
(Learn how ozone is killing us.)

The US EPA provides a map that shows alerts for the United States.

II. The Sun

The sun is not the real problem. The problem is the Earth's atmosphere. As humans pollute the planet, the protective layer of air that surrounds the planet has become damaged. The result of the atmosphere's decline has been an increase in threats to humans. Children, whose skin and eyes have not had time to adapt, are particularly prone to injury.

Concerned adults should make certain that a child's exposed skin is protected with sunscreen at all time. The minimum acceptable rating is an SPF of 25. We recommend an SPF of at least 40. Failure to do so will likely result in skin cancer, as well as, other maladies.

However, it is important to remember moderation. Eliminating all exposure to the sun can be just as dangerous as too much sun. For instance, it is difficult to get enough vitamin D in your diet. The skin's exposure to sunlight helps the body make enough vitamin D. (Some people recommend at least 15 minutes of exposure twice a week during the morning or late afternoon.)

Sunglasses may be the most overlooked (no pun intended) form of protection. As the sun's rays become more destructive, a growing number of children will develop eye problems and possibly blindness. Sunglasses should be worn during ALL the seasons of the year. Winter sunlight that is reflected off the snow can be as damaging as the summer's sunlight. A hat with a visor is also a good idea.

II. Mosquitoes (ticks and similar carriers)

Vancomycin Resistant Staph, Hepatitis C, Tuberculosis, Meningitis, Cellulitis, among many other infectious diseases are becoming an increasing threat. Mosquitoes are potential carries of diseases. The West Nile Virus is a good example of the growing problem. Millions of kids have died from malaria. In 2015, there were roughly 214 million malaria cases and an estimated 438,000 malaria deaths.

Zika virus is spreading throughout the world. Pregnant women are most at risk for bearing children with birth defects.

A concerned adult should provide protection by keeping covered in long pants and a long sleeve shirt during the evening hours. Screened-in porches are also a good alternative. We do not recommend the use of bug sprays or candles that contain poisons. If the package to a bug repellent says that it may be harmful to humans, DO NOT USE IT.

We hope this sheds some light on the care of children. If you have any questions or comments, please email help@membrane.com.

Kid's Stuff
KingArthur.com