![[logo] US EPA](http://www.epa.gov/epafiles/images/logo_epaseal.gif){kind=logo}
Why Children are at Greater Risk
Children's bodies are different:
- Respiratory and central nervous systems are still developing.
- Breathing rate is faster than adults, causing more of the pollutant to get to their lungs.
- Airways are smaller.
- Rapid development and immaturity of body organs and systems make them more susceptible to toxic effects of chemicals.
Children's activities are different:
- They spend more time outdoors.
- Play is often high-energy, increasing breathing rates by as much as ten times.
- They play outdoors most in the summer, when ozone pollution is greatest.
- Hand to mouth contact is more frequent, exposing children to toxins through ingestion.
- They may not stop playing even if breathing becomes difficult.
For information on this page, please contact: oneill.maureen@epa.gov
