Clean Air Healthy Children (air, asthma, health), Grades K-3

8/9/2019 Clean Air Healthy Children (air, asthma, health), Grades K-3

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Teacher's Guide and Activitiesfor Young Children

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources October, 2004

Bureau of Communication and Education

P.O. Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707-7921PUB-CE-454 2004


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Acknowledgments:

We greatly appreciate the time and effort of the following individuals, whoprovided their expertise and contributed as project reviewers.

Karen Allaire, RN, MS, CPNP

UW-Childrens Hospital and ClinicsPediatric Pulmonary Center

Janet McMahon, M.P.H.American Lung Association of Wisconsin

Jeremy OtteAmerican Lung Association of Wisconsin

Karen Eichorts, M.S.E.

Sue Wrobel, M.E.P.D.UW-LaCrosse Campus Child Center

Mittsy Voiles

Air EducationWisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Jeff MyersAir Quality ManagementWisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Special thanks to Martha Vasquez, art teacher, and the contribution of thestudents from Malcolm X Shabazz High School, Madison, Wisconsin:

Kristin Kraft, drawings

Cameo Desart-Geesman, drawings

Shanon Lane, layout design

Andrew Houlahan, drawingsConnor Braverman, drawings

We are grateful to Creative Learning Preschool and Child Care Center,Madison, Wisconsin and UW La Crosse Campus Child Center, La Crosse,Wisconsin for field testing the activities.

The lung health curriculum, Peter is Breathless, of the American LungAssociation of Wisconsin, served as a model and helped guide thedevelopment of this resource. We are grateful for the assistance brought bythe American Lung Association of Wisconsin throughout this process.

Project Manager:Al Stenstrup

Production and Editing: Victoria Elenes

Revisions: Lindsay Haas

Activity Guide Layout and Design: Linda Pohlod, Blue Sky Design, LLC

Poster Layout and Graphic Design: Knupp & Watson and Madcat Studio

For more information about this publication contact the WisconsinDepartment of Natural Resources Bureau of Communication andEducation (608) 266-6790.


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IntroductionAir pollution is aglobal health issue ofgrowing concern. Itcontributes to acid

rain formation, ozonedepletion, andclimate change. Airpollution not onlyharms buildings andplant life, but itnegatively impactshuman health aswell. Thoughgenerally thought of

as an urban dilemma, it poses a healththreat in rural areas as well.

Todays children are tomorrows leaders. Asrole models, parents and educators need toteach children how to care for theenvironment. Air is a resource for which thesupply is seemingly endless. It is often takenfor granted and abused through humanactions. A great deal of air pollution stemsfrom our everyday activities, and there areseveral basic lifestyle changes we can maketo protect this precious resource. Througheducation and role modeling, adults canlead children into a brighter, cleaner future.

These educational materials are designed tointroduce preschool children to the conceptsof respiratory health, air quality, and caringfor the environment. Backgroundinformation on childrens respiratory healthissues and air pollution is provided for theeducator. The lesson plans incorporate in-class and take-home activities to create anintroduction to respiratory health, theenvironment, and air quality for bothchildren and their families.

This plan is divided into five sections thatcan either be used in sequence as a completeunit or separately as they fit into yourcurriculum. The unit also provides the

flexibility to use individual activities as theyapply to your own lessons.

Air and RespiratoryHealth Background ...........................2

Our Respiratory System ....................6

The World Around Us ......................10

Air Is Everywhere............................14

Air Pollution Patrol .........................17

Pitching In......................................19

Glossary for Teachers .....................23

References .....................................24


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Air & Respiratory Health BackgroundTodays children live ina world very differentfrom past generations.Advances in science

and technology havediminished infectiousdiseases such as polioand measles. Theseadvances have alsoincreased infantssurvival rates duringthe vulnerable firstyear of life and haveenabled children togrow into adulthood.Unfortunately,

technologicaladvances also have

negative consequences. Exposure toenvironmental pollutants has threatened thehealth of all people through contaminatedwater and polluted air.

Health Consequencesof Air Pollution

Outdoor air pollution impacts the respiratoryhealth of everyone, regardless of age and

health status. Air pollution can affect ourimmune system, which is our defense systemagainst infections. Air pollution can alsoaffect our airways and lungs reducing theamount of oxygen we take into our body. Wecan experience symptoms that range frommild irritation to the nose, eyes, and throat,to having less ability to do exercise outdoors.Air pollution can increase the risk of havinga respiratory infection. Children, the elderlyand persons with asthma are impacted themost by air pollution.

Children at Risk

Children are more susceptible to the effectsof air pollution for several reasons related to

their physical development and behavior.Childrens respiratory organs are notfully developed and thus are morevulnerable to toxic substances in the air.

Children have narrower airways that aremore severely affected by the tissue inflam-mation that occurs due to air pollution.

Children have weaker immune systemsthat are more vulnerable to the foreignsubstances found in air pollution.

Children inhale more air (and more air

pollution) per pound of body weightthan adults.

Children often breathe through theirmouths, rather than their noses. Thisroute bypasses the cilia and mucousfound in the nose that trap foreignparticles in the air and stop them fromentering the lungs.

Children do not recognize oracknowledge the effects of air pollutionas quickly as adults. This may exacerbate

the effects of air pollution, becausesymptoms are not treated as quickly.

Children and Asthma

Asthma is the leading serious chronic illnessof children. One third of all individualsaffected by this disease are under the age of18. Preschool children have the highest rateamong all children with asthma. Mostchildren with asthma develop theirsymptoms by age five. Because outdoor airpollution can cause an asthma episode, the

high asthma rates found among childrenmakes this group a target population for aireducation programs. Young children, theirparents, and educators benefit from learningmethods for controlling asthma triggers,including how to protect children from airpollution. Reducing air pollution can playan integral role in protecting the respiratoryhealth of young children.


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The following information provides anintroduction to asthma with commonlyasked questions.

What is Asthma?Asthma is a chronic lung disease that canrestrict a childs ability to breathe.

What is an Asthma Episode?

During an asthma episode or attack theairways narrow and it becomes difficult tobreathe. There are three factors thatcontribute to this occurrence:

1. The muscles around the airways tighten,narrowing the airways;

2. The airways narrow and are blockeddue to swelling and inflammation; and

3. More mucus than usual is producedinside the airways, further blocking them.

What Causes anAsthma Episode?

Episodes of asthma are usually caused bysome condition or stimulus commonlyreferred to as an asthma trigger. Triggersvary between children and the followinglist is not all-inclusive.

air pollution

tobacco smoke

pets

dust mites

aerosols, perfumes,and strong odors

cockroaches

wood smoke

exercise

viral respiratory infection

cold air/weather change

Asthma BasicsWhat are the Warning Signs andSymptoms of an Asthma Attack?

The Main Symptoms of an Asthma Attack Are:Shortness of breath Wheezing

Tightness in the chest Persistent cough

Warning signs are physical changes that canoccur before an asthma episode becomesevident. Warning signs can be recognizedhours or days before more obvious symptomsappear. Children will have different signs atdifferent times. The most common warningsigns include changes in breathing patterns:

Coughing Shortness of breath

Wheezing Rapid breathing

Breathing through the mouth

Children May Also Experience:

Being easily out of breath Achy chest

Dark circles under eyes Mood changes

Some children can experience allergy symp-toms, such as a stuffy nose and itchy wateryeyes, prior to showing asthma symptoms.

What Types of MedicationHelp Treat Asthma?

There are many different forms ofmedications for asthma available through adoctors prescription. The most common formis the inhaler and medications given througha nebulizer. Asthma medications are used fortwo main purposes:

1 To help control and prevent airwayinflammation. These are also called anti-inflammatory medications. These

medications prevent asthma episodes andmust be taken on a daily basis.

2 To help relieve asthma symptoms byrelaxing the muscles around the airways.These include the bronchodilators. Thesemedications are used during an asthmaepisode to help open the airways and aretaken as needed.

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Air Pollution and its SourcesThere are severaltypes of airpollution. TheUnited StatesEnvironmentalProtection Agency(US EPA) monitorssix criteria airpollutants throughthe NationalAmbient AirQuality Standards(NAAQS):

particulate matter,sulfur dioxides, carbon monoxide, nitrogendioxide, ozone, and lead. Wisconsinexperienced a significant decrease in thelevel of these pollutants between 1980 and

1997. However, air pollution still impacts thehealth of Wisconsin residents, particularlychildren. Outdoor air pollution, includingthe particulate matter, carbon monoxide,and hydrocarbons emitted during theburning of yard waste, garbage, and woodirritate the respiratory system. Ground-levelozone, the main ingredient of urban smog, isalso detrimental to the respiratory system.These forms of air pollution can significantlyimpact the respiratory health of children byaltering the structure and function of their

respiratory organs.Particulate matteris small particles,composed of almost any compound, that arepresent in air pollution. They can penetratedeeply into the lungs and aggravate existinglung disease in addition to damaging thelung, impairing breathing, and altering theimmune system. This pollutant can slowdown the exchange of oxygen and carbondioxide, which causes shortness of breathand increases the workload of the heart.

Carbon monoxideis also dangerous to ourhealth. It is the result of incompletecombustion from sources such asautomobiles. Carbon monoxide binds tohemoglobin, which carries oxygen in theblood. Therefore, this pollutant hinders therespiratory process by reducing the amount ofoxygen delivered to our muscles and organs.

Hydrocarbonsare substances that irritate therespiratory system and are released duringfuel combustion and the burning of leaves,garbage, and wood.

Ground-level ozone, a colorless, odorless gasthat reacts rapidly and strongly with livingtissues, is the main ingredient in urbansmog. It is a secondary pollutant that is notdirectly emitted into the air, but is producedthrough a chemical reaction betweennitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organiccompounds (VOCs) in sunlight. The primarysources of NOx and VOCs are on-roadvehicles and power plants. Its health effects

include increased susceptibility to respiratoryinfection as well as impaired lung function.High concentrations cause shortness ofbreath, coughing, wheezing, and pain withdeep breaths. Ozone Action Days are crucialto protecting ourselves on days when ozonelevels are high.


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Solutions

The battle against air pollutioncan be won. We must firsteducate ourselves about airquality issues, which includesunderstanding and adhering

to burning regulationsin our areas andfollowing OzoneAction Dayprocedures. This

knowledge willaid in making air

conscious decisionsin our daily lives.Many changes donot require a great

deal of effort beyondchanging old habits. The

following list cites several easy steps tominimize air pollution:

Eliminate the burning of refuse byreducing the amount of garbage wegenerate. This can be done throughbuying materials in bulk, reusing itemsor donating the to a resale organization,and recycling.

Do not burn yard waste. Compostingleaves, plant clippings, and food is aviable alternative to burning along with

chipping brush and dry wood.Use wood stoves and fireplaces sparinglyand properly maintain them.

Reduce the amount we drive bycarpooling, planning trips in advance,and using alternative methods oftransportation, such a biking or publictransportation.

Tightly seal containers ofhousehold chemicals andgasoline to reduce theevaporation of VOCs intothe atmosphere.

Reduce energyconsumption at home by

weather-stripping, usingfluorescent lights, and thermostatcontrols. Be sure to turn off lights andappliances when they are not in use.

These actions will lead to a decreaseddemand on the use of coal and oil at powerplants and will decrease our electricity bills.

As we become more aware of air pollutionand health issues, we can become betterprepared to address them.


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Lesson Focus

Breathing is something that most of usdo without even being aware of it.

We breathe nearly 25,000 timesper day, taking in nearly 10,000

liters of air. Children breatheeven more air per pound ofbody weight than adults.This lesson is designed toteach children how we

breathe and introduce themto the basic components of the

respiratory system.

Our respiratory system includes our nose,mouth, throat, windpipe, and lungs. The

function of the respiratory system is tosupply oxygen to our muscles, organs, andtissues and remove carbon dioxide from theblood. The airways in the nose, throat, andwindpipe are lined with mucous and ciliathat trap dust and foreign particles inhaledfrom the environment. Air enters the nose,passes through the windpipe and throatbefore filling the lungs. The exchange ofoxygen and carbon dioxide takes place intiny air sacs in the lungs called alveoli.

The effects of air pollutants and respiratory

illness make breathing difficult for children.Air pollution can hinder the function of therespiratory system by diminishing the bodysnatural defense system. Effects can rangefrom irritation and discomfort to even death.Respiratory illnesses, such as asthma, restrictairflow by constricting the airways. Reviewthe air pollution and asthma basics sectionsof the Background for further information.

Class Activities

Activity # 1

Materials Needed:

How Lungs Work poster(included in guide).

Have thechildren focuson their ownbreathing andconcentrate onhow the air feelstraveling throughtheir respiratorysystem. Explainthat the noseand mouthare connected.Demonstrate thisinterconnectednessby having thechildren perform the following exercise:

First, ask the children to place theirhands on their chests while breathing.Describe.

Next, focus on inhaling through the nose

by covering the mouth with the hand.Next, focus on inhaling through themouth by pinching the nose.

Note the rise and fall of the chest withinhalation and exhalation.

Use the How Lungs Workposter to trace theroute of oxygen asit travels throughthe body.

Explain that somechildren have ahard timebreathingbecause theyhave asthma.These childrentake medicine tohelp thembreathe.

Our Respiratory System


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Activity # 2

Materials Needed:

Stop watch or clock.

Have the children sitfor 30 to 60 seconds.

Ask them how they feel.Have the children do any activity, suchas jumping jacks, running in place, orhopping for 30 to 60 seconds.

When they are finished, ask themwhether the are breathing faster orslower than before exercising.

Discuss how they feel after exercising.

Explain that when they breathe, theyare taking in oxygen and blood iscarrying it to the muscles.

Explain that they are breathing harderto take in more oxygen when theyexercise. This is because they areworking harder and need to get moreoxygen to the muscles.

Activity #3

Materials Needed:

Activity Worksheet #1.

Have the children trace the pathway ofthe respiratory system and color each

part a different color.Each child can make a book about his orher own respiratory system using thestudent activity worksheet #1.

Copy the pages onto transparencies.

Construct the book in numerical orderbuilding the respiratory system with eachadditional page.

Have children draw pictures ofthemselves as covers for their books.

School - Home LinkMaterials Needed:

School-Home Link #1.

Children will take home a letter to theirparents describing the unit and inviting theparents to participate.

Books

You Breathe In, You Breathe Outby David Adler

The Respiratory System by Helen FrostAll About Asthma by William Ostrow &Vivian Ostrow

(A True Book) The Respiratory System byDarlene R. Stille

Songs

Breathe, Breathe, In and Out

(melody of Row, row, row your boat)

Breathe, breatheIn and out

Taking in clean air

Through the nose

To fill the lung

And out the mouth

Exhale!

AirAir


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School-Home Link #1

DearParents,

Wearebeginninganewunitab

outourhealthandthe

environment.Wewillbelea

rningaboutourrespiratory

system,ourownenvironment,andtheairaroundus.We

willbesendinghomeinformatio

nandactivities,sothat

youcanparticipateinyourchild

renslearningexperiences.

Theactivitieswillfocusonthe

followingthemes:

1Ourrespiratorysystem

2Theworldaroundus

3Airiseverywhere

4Airpollutionpatrol

5Pitchingin

Weinviteyoutojoinusinthele

arningactivities,

sowecanworktogethertokeep

ourenvironmentsafe

andhealthyforourchildren!

BestofHealth


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Activity Worksheet #1

2 3

1

Nose Passage

Mouth Passage

Throat

Wind Pipe

Lungs


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Lesson Focus

This lesson isdesigned to

introduce children tothe concept ofenvironment. Theterm environment isdefined as all theconditions,

circumstances, andinfluences surrounding

and affecting us. Young children shouldbegin to understand that the different forcesin their environment are interdependent.Childrens environments provide the basic

needs of clean air, water, and food.Therefore, we must take care of theenvironment to keep it healthy and safe. Thefocus of this lesson is on the most immediatesurroundings for children: the classroom andthe home. The importance of taking care ofthese environments should be emphasized.

Class Activities

Activity #1

Materials Needed:

Magazine pictures ofvarious settings.

Begin by explainingthat our environmentincludes everythingaround us. Thisincludes the classroom,our homes, or any place we live.

The World Around Us

Ask the children to

identify differentobjects in theclassroomenvironment.

Discuss how we takecare of things in theclassroom.

Explain that ourhomes can be anotherkind of environment.

Explain that different families live in

different types of places. Show pictures ofdifferent types of homes: houses,apartments, farms, igloos, huts.

Ask the children todescribe their homeenvironment andthe type ofthings in them.


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Activity # 2

Materials Needed:

Paper bags (one per child)

Sheets of paper

Crayons

Glue

Take the children on a field trip to theplayground or nearby park.

Select a tree in the area that the class willadopt. Talk about the types of animalsthat make their homes in the trees. Stressthe importance of keeping their homesclean and safe.

Supply each child with a paper bag inwhich they can store objects collectedfrom the ground around the tree: bark,

twigs, leaves, etc.

Stress the importance of protecting theenvironment and not harming plantsand animals in nature. Explain to thechildren that they should not takeanything off the tree, but rather pickobjects from the ground.

Ask the children to make rubbings fromleaves, bark, etc.

After returning to the classroom, discuss theimportance of trees. What would happen if

trees could not grow? Where would theanimals that lived in the trees go?

Ask the children to make a class bookabout the tree. Using sheets of paper withan outline of a tree, ask the children toglue their gathered objects to the tree.Staple the sheets together to form a book.

School-Home Link

Materials Needed:

Activity Worksheet # 2.

Send the activity worksheet # 2 homewith the child.

The parent(s) will help the child matchcleaning action pictures with theappropriate area of the home as theydiscuss what they do to take care of theirhome environment.

Books

What We can do about Protecting Nature byDonna Bailey

Recyclables Fun: Creative Craft Ideasby DianeCherkerzian

Recycle! A Handbook for Kidsby Gail Gibbons

Love Earth: The Beauty Makeoverby ShellyNielsen

Songs

Ring Around the Tree

(melody of Ring Around the Rosey)

Gather the children in a circle around a tree.Have the children hold hands while they sing

and move the circle clockwise.

Ring around the tree

Pocket full of leaves

Autumn, Autumn

They all fall down

(Children drop hands as they fall down)

Periodically check on the treethroughout the seasons andnote the changes in the tree,such as the amount and colorof the leaves and movement inthe leaves caused by the air.

AirAir


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Student Activity Worksheet #2


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RecycleStudent Activity Worksheet #2

Match the Activity with the Picture

We are learning about our environment andhow we can work together to keep it cleanand safe. Since our home is a very important

environment we must learn to keep ithealthy for the entire family.

Please help your child learn to care for yourhome environment by matching the picturesof cleaning activities to the proper locationsin the home. With your child, cut the figuresbelow and paste them to the proper roomson the drawing. Talk about the importanceof keeping your home clean.

Recycle Paper, Newspaper

and Plastic Bottles

Flush the Toilet

Vacuum the Rug Make the Bed


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Lesson Focus

The air is all around us in our environment,and we take it into our bodies every time we

breathe. This air consists primarily ofoxygen and nitrogen in addition to smallamounts of other gases, bacteria, andviruses. Clean air is essential to our health,because it provides the necessary oxygen tosustain life. Oxygen cannot be stored andonly a limited reserve exists in the blood.Therefore, a continuous supply is necessaryfor our body to function. This lessondemonstrates how we know the air is aroundus by using different senses.

In-Class Activities

Activity #1

Materials Needed

The March Wind poem, recording of wind.

Ask the group: What is Air?

Ask if anyone can see the air. Explainthat air is all around us, even though wecannot see it.

Remind the group that we take in airevery time we breathe. Focus on inhalingand exhaling.

Ask the children what air is called whenit is moving.

Ask them how can we tell if it is windy.

Return to the class tree to see if air ismoving through its leaves.

Have the children create their own windby blowing into their hands or fanningthemselves with their hands.

Ask children how they hear (ears). Talkabout different sounds: music, car horns,animal sounds.

Play a recording of the sound of windblowing through trees and ask childrenwhat they hear. Discuss how it feels towalk outside on a windy day.

The March Wind

This interactive poem combines creativemovement with language development as

children learn about wind and air.The March wind is a silly clown

He blows the leaves up

(stretch up arms, stand tippy-toed)

He blows the leaves down

(sit down on the floor)

He blows the leaves all around

(stand up and turn around)

He blows them to the left

(move to the left)

He blows them to the right

(move to the right)

And now hes going to blow my kite

(make believe youre holding a kite)

Air Is Everywhere


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Activity # 2

Hide and Seek With Scents

Materials Needed:

Small boxes with covers, fresh onions, lemons,oranges, or flowers.

Ask the children if they can smell thingsin the air. Ask them how they smellthings (with their nose). Talk aboutdifferent kinds of smells: flowers, bakingcookies, and smoke.

Place different objects with distinctscents, such as onions, lemons, oranges,and flowers, in small boxes with holes inthe covers. Have pictures of each objectin the boxes. Ask the children to matchthe scents to the pictures of the objects.

Activity # 3

Materials Needed:

Paper, very light tempera paints or powder drinkmix and water, straws.

Each child will paint a picture byblowing air through a straw.

Begin this activity by having childrenpractice blowing feathers using their straws.

Place small drops of paints/drink mix on

white paper.Have children paint a picture byblowing paint/drink mix across the paperusing a straw. Remind the children toblow out, not breathe in.

School-Home Link

Materials Needed:


4-inch squares of white tagboard, clearplastic wrap, petroleum jelly, 12-inchpieces of string, paper hole punch, tape.

Cover tagboard squares with plastic wrap.

Punch hole in one corner.

Loop string through hole and tie.

Cover one side of the square with a thinlayer of petroleum jelly.

Ask the children to take their windcatchers home to see what they can catch.

Hang in an observable site for 2 days.

Observe what is caught in the jelly.

Books

Airby Andrew CharmanFlying and Floating by David Glover

In the Airby Henry Pluckrose

Songs

Air is Everywhere I Go

(melody of Mary had a Little Lamb)

Air is everywhere I go

Where I go, where I go


And this is how I know!

I feel it brush against my face,

gainst my face, gainst my face,

I feel it brush against my face

When the wind does blow!


Where I go, where I go


And that is how I know!

I hear it blowing through the trees

Through the trees, through the trees

I hear it blowing through the trees

It whistles as it goes!

I see it filling my balloon

My balloon, my balloon

I see it filling my balloon

And watch it as it grows!

AirAir


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DearParents,

Wearelearningabouttheairaroundusinour

environment.Weknowthatmov

ingairiscalledthe

wind.Thewindcancarrymany

differentthingssuch

asdust,smoke,andpollen.We

havemadewind

catchersinordertoseewhatis

carriedbythewind

nearourhomeenvironment.

Pleasehelpyourchildcatchma

terialscarriedbythe

windbyhangingthewindcatchero

utsideofyour

home.After2days,bringitinsideandseewhatyou

havecaught!

BestofHealth

School-Home Link #3


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Lesson Focus:

There are a variety of air pollution sourcesthat are a result of human actions. In fact,

much of our basic lifestyle creates pollution.Primary sources of ground-level ozoneingredients are emissions from automobiles,small engines, such as lawnmowers andmotor boats, non-engine sources, includingpaints and chemicals, and industrialemissions. Burning yard waste and garbagealong with wood burning stoves are alsosources of air pollution. These activities emitseveral gases including carbon monoxide,particulate matter, and hydrocarbons thatpose significant health threats. See the air

pollution section of the Background forfurther information.

Class Activities

Activity # 1

Materials Needed

Long candle, pyrex cover.

Review the concept of environment.Explain the pollution is anything

that makes our environment dirty.Ask, where is the air? Explain to thechildren that the air around us canget dirty. Sometimes we are able to seeit (like smoke from a chimney), butsometimes we may not be able to.Remind children of the things theycaught with their wind catchers.

Explain that when the air getsdirty it is called air pollution. Airpollution can cause itchy eyes,

coughing, and difficulty breathing.It also hurts the environment.

Demonstrate the smoke can makethings dirty by lighting a candleand then covering it with thepyrex cover. The remaining sootwill demonstrate how smoke canmake things dirty.

Activities # 2

Materials Needed

Wet wipes, pictures of air pollution sources.

Take the children outside fora field trip around theplayground. Give each childa damp cloth to wipe one surface. Eachchild should wipe a different surface.

After returning to the classroom, ask thechildren to share their experiences withthe group: show their cloth and tell what

object they wiped.

Explain to the children thatdirt in the air makes thingsoutside dirty and can makeit difficult to breathe.

Show the childrenpictures of airpollution sources:cars, factories, burnbarrels, leaf burning,smoke emitted from

chimneys, aerosols,chemicals, etc.

School-Home Link

Materials Needed:

School-Home Link # 4.

Send home the Air Pollution Patrol FactSheet for parents.

Books

Air Pollution by Rhonda Lucas Donald

Polluted Airby John M. Patten, Jr.

Air Pollution by Darlene Stille

AirAir

Air Pollution Patrol


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We invite you to join us in educating yourchild about air pollution and methods of

controlling it. The following informationidentifies various types of pollution, theirsources, and health effects. These effects canbe experienced by even the healthiest ofindividuals. However, they are mostdangerous for children, the elderly, andpeople with respiratory illnesses, such asasthma. Humans create a variety of sourcesof air pollution during the course ofeveryday life. By becoming aware of how wecreate air pollution, we can become betterable to reduce it.

Ground-level Ozone:A secondary pollutantformed by the reaction of nitrogen oxidesand volatile organic compounds in sunlight.These ingredients are found in automobileexhaust; gasoline and oil storage andtransport; use of paint solvents, cleaningfluids, and ink solvents; and incompletelyburned coal, wood, and other fuels. Thoughit cannot be seen or tasted, ozone can causecough and wheezing, shortness of breath,and chest pain. Ozone Action Days arecalled when weather forecasters predict hot,

humid weather conditions that are likely tocause high levels of ozone.

Carbon Monoxide: Carbon monoxide iscreated by automobile emissions in additionto home and building heating. It inhibits thebodys ability to deliver oxygen to the cellsand can cause shortness of breath.

Particulate Matter: Particulate matter is tinyairborne particles or aerosols found in theatmosphere. Vehicle exhaust, wood burning,and combustion of petroleum products

create it. Particulate matter lodges deeply

into the lungs and can aggravate existingrespiratory diseases, damage lung tissue,impair breathing, and decrease the bodysimmune system.

Hydrocarbons: Hydrocarbons are gases thatare created by incomplete combustion fromsources such as the burning of garbage, yardwaste, and wood. These gases causeirritation of the eyes, nose, throat, andlungs, and some can cause cancer.

Human Actions Leading to Air Pollution:

Cars and trucks

Garbage burning

Yard waste burning

FurnacesOff-road vehicles

To learn more about what you can do tobetter air quality in your area log onto http://dnr.wi.gov/org/aw/air/.

School-Home Link #4

Air Pollution Patrol Fact Sheet


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Lesson Focus

Individual actions can makea difference in the battle

against pollution. Thislesson is designed tohelp children andtheir familiesrecognizeindividualactions to helpprotect theenvironmentand decrease airpollution. A greatdeal of air pollution

sources stem from human activities.Alternatives to burning leaves and garbagealong with modifying driving patterns andenergy consumption can aid in reducing airpollution. Yard waste can be composted,chipped or disposed of through municipalcollection services. Garbage can be managedby reducing the amount of waste created,reusing items, and recycling. Ground levelozone formation can be decreased by drivingfewer miles, carpooling, and reducing theuse of electricity.

Class Activities

Activity #1

Materials Needed:

Cleaning tools: broom, mop, dish cloth, sponge.

Ask the children to identify cleaning toolsand what each tool is used for. Askwhether they help clean up at home.

Discuss how we all must help to keep the

earth clean. Ask the children for theirideas about how to keep the earth clean.

Activity #2

Materials Needed:

Student Worksheet #3.Show the picture to the group (you maychoose to color it first).

Ask the children to identify unhealthyaspects of the picture: garbage, carexhaust, leaf burning.

Explain why those aspects are harmful.

Have the children color their own pictures.

School-Home Link

Materials Needed


Send home a checklist of pollutiondecreasing activities that children canreview with parents.

Ask parents to make a pledge toparticipate in an activity the helpsprotect the environment, withinstructions to return the pledge sheet thenext day.

Create a chart with the different activitiesthat the children will participate in withtheir parents.

Ask each child to share his or herexperience with the class.

Books

Noise and Fumesby Donna Bailey

Keeping the AirClean by John D. Baines

Caring for Our Airby Carole Greene

Pollution: Problems and Solutionsby theNational Wildlife Federation.

AirAir

Pitching In


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Student Activity Worksheet #3


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We can all help reduce air pollution. Pleasejoin us in teaching children how to decrease

air pollution. Sign a pledge with your childon an activity that you could easily do tohelp keep our air healthy to breathe. Thefollowing tips for taking action areinexpensive and easy to do, and some willeven save you money. Read this informationand discuss different ideas with your child.

Everybody can make a contribution.Remember, it all adds up to cleaner air!

Educate yourself and your family aboutair quality and recycling regulations in

your area. For Example, you can findreal-time ozone data, animated mapsand ozone forecasts at the following website: http://www.epa.gov/airnow/

Tightly seal containers of householdchemicals and gasoline to reduce theevaporation to chemicals into the air.

Conserve energy in yourhome. Weatherize, usefluorescent lights orsimply turn off lights andappliances not in use.This will help decrease the demand onthe use of coal at power plants.

Carpool ortake the bus

at least oncea week.

Dont burn trash or yard waste.Recycle instead.

Get involved. Learn about Federal, Stateand Local regulatory actions affecting airquality in your community.

School-Home Link #5

Taking Action At Home

Asthma Checklist to Control Outdoor and Indoor Triggers:

Outdoor Triggers:

Avoid heavyexercise whenplayingoutside on hot

humid days.Stay indoorswhen ozonelevels are high.

Be aware of changes in temperatureor weather, these can affect childrenwith asthma and allergies.

Indoor Triggers:

Clean air conditioners and dehumidifiersregularly.

Avoid electric fans.

Wash bedding (sheets, pillows and blankets)in hot water to reduce dust mites.

Dust with damp cloth.

Remove carpets if possible.

Check bathroom for leaks near sink and toilet.

Ventilate bathroom to avoid mold buildup.

Use dehumidifier in basement to keep lowmoisture levels.

Car Care List:

Drive a car that gets good gasmileage (>25 mpg).

Get regular oil changes and tune-ups.

Do not idle your car (turn it off andturn it on again later).

Fill up your gas tank at night. (Thisreduces ozone formation in your area.)

Keep your gas cap screwed on tight.


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School-Home Link #5

Pledge Card to Help Reduce Air Pollution:Make a pledge to help your child understand the importance of taking care of the environment.Pick one activity or action you and your child can do. Try to come up with your own ideas.

Examples of Things You Can Do:Read a book about air pollution.

Plant a tree.

Walk or bike to the store, church, or park instead of driving.

Recycle.

Turn off lights and appliances when not in use.

Write to your U.S. Senators and Representatives to let them know you careabout the environment.

Please sign and return this pledge card to your teacher.

We_____________________________________________ pledgeParent and child

to __________________________ to help reduce air pollution.Activity

Be Resourceful

RECYCLE!

RECYCLE!


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Air Pollutant: Any substance that can makethe air dirty or harmful. Ozone is a pollutantbecause it makes the air unhealthy tobreathe.

Air Pollution: The presence of contaminants orsubstances in the air that are harmful topeople, plants, animals, or can affect welfare.

Alveoli: Tiny sac-like air spaces in the lungwhere carbon dioxide and oxygen areexchanged.

Asthma: A chronic lung disease caused byinflammation and obstruction of the airways.

Asthma Triggers: Conditions or stimuli thatcan cause an asthma attack, such as coldair, perfumes, and air pollution.

Carbon Dioxide: A waste gas resulting fromchemical reactions in the body cells.

Carbon Monoxide: A colorless, odorless gasthat is produced by incomplete combustion.

Criteria Air Pollutants: Air pollutants thathave established concentration levels (orstandards) set by the EPA. Criteriapollutants that are measured at levelshigher than the set standards areconsidered unhealthy for people.

Environment: All the conditions,circumstances, and influences surroundingand affecting us.

Ground-level Ozone: Ozone that is formedwhen chemicals produced by cars, powerplants, factories, and other pollutants arebaked in the hot sun. Ground-level ozonemakes it hard for us to breathe, and isharmful to the leaves of plants and trees.

Hemoglobin: Responsible for carrying oxygenin the blood.

Hydrocarbons:Chemical compoundsconsisting of Hydrogen and Carbon that are

released during the burning of leaves,garbage, wood, and gasoline.

Immune System: Our defense system againstinfections.

National Ambient Air Quality Standards(NAAQS): Standards that must be attained andmaintained in order to protect public health.

Nitrogen Oxide: A gasthat is produced bycombustion fromcars and power

plants. WhenNitrogen Oxidesare baked withVOCs in the hotsummer sun,ground-levelozone is created.

Non-attainment Areas:Regions of the United Stateswhere air pollution (including ground-levelozone) has been measured at unhealthylevels. These regions are required by the

Clean Air Act to reduce the amount ofpollution in order to protect the health ofpeople, plants and animals.

Oxygen: A colorless, odorless gas that makesup about 20% of the air we breathe. It isessential, because it is used for chemicalreactions that occur in the body.

Ozone Action Day: A day on which the ozonelevels are predicted to reach unhealthy levels.(Also called Clean Air Action Days.)

Particulate Matter: Fine liquid or solid

particles, such as dust, smoke, mist, fumes,or smog found in air or emissions.

Secondary Sources: A pollutant createdwhen two or more pollutants are mixedtogether and a chemical reaction happens toturn them into a new pollutant. Ground-level ozone is a secondary source because itis formed when the sun bakes two otherpollutants, nitrogen oxides and VOCs.

Sulfur Dioxide: A heavy, colorless, odorousgas produced when fossil fuels, such as coal,

are burned.Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Volatilemeans easily evaporated-like water boilingaway in a kettle. Volatile also meansexplosive. VOCs are chemical compoundsthat evaporate easily and may be explosive.

Glossary For Teachers


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Adler, David. 1991. You Breathe In,You Breathe Out: All About Lungs. NewYork, NY: F. Watts. ISBN:0531107000.

Bailey, Donna. 1991. Noise and Fumes. NewYork, NY: F. Watts. ISBN: 0531110184.

_____. 1991. Protecting Nature. New York, NY:F. Watts. ISBN: 053111080X.

Baines, John D. 1998. Keeping the Air Clean.Austin, TX: Raintree Steck-Vaughn. ISBN:0817249362.

Charman, Andrew. 1994. Air. Austin, TX:Raintree Steck-Vaughn. ISBN: 0811455092.

Cherkerzian, Diane. 1995. Recyclables Fun:Creative Craft Ideas. Honesdale, PA: BoydsMills Press/ Bell Books. ISBN: 1563972751.

Donald, Rhonda Lucas. 2001. Air Pollution.New York, NY: Childrens Press. ISBN:0516221914.

Frost, Helen. 2001. The Respiratory System.Mankato, MN: Pebble Books. ISBN:0736806520.

Gibbons, Gail. 1992. Recycle: A Handbook forKids. Boston, MA: Little Brown. ISBN:

0316309710.

Glover, David. 1993. Flying and Floating. NewYork, NY: Kingfisher Books. ISBN:185979377.

Greene, Carole. 1991. Caring for Our Air.Hillside, NJ USA: Enslow Publishers. ISBN:0894903519.

National Wildlife Federation. 1999. Pollution:Problems and Solutions. Philadelphia, PA:Chelsea House Publishers. ISBN:0791048829.

Nielsen, Shelly. 1993. Love Earth: The BeautyMakeover. Edina, MN: Abdo & Daughters.ISBN: 1562391984.

Ostrow, William and Vivian Ostrow. 1989.

All About Asthma. Nile, IL: A Whitman. ISBN:0807502766.

Patten Jr., John M. 1995. Polluted Air. VeroBeach, FL: Rourke Book Co. ISBN:1559160985.

Pluckrose, Henry. 1994. In the Air. Chicago,IL: Childrens Press. ISBN: 0516081187.

Stille, Darlene. 1990. Air Pollution. Chicago,IL: Childrens Press. ISBN: 0516011812.

______. 1997. The Respiratory System. New

York, NY: Childrens Press. ISBN: 0516204483.

References:

Other Resources:

American Lung Associationof Wisconsin1-800-LUNG-USA1-800-586-4872URL: http://www.lungusa.org

Wisconsin Department ofNatural ResourcesCheck the Education andTraining Section for moreeducational resources or theEnvironmental Protection section for theBureau of Air Management.URL: http://dnr.wi.gov/

Air Quality Index (AQI): AirNowURL: http://www.epa.gov/airnow/

EEK! (Environmental Education for Kids!)URL: http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/ce/eek/

Asthma in the Air. (Eight minute video)

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.PUB-CE-268 2000. To order call (608) 266-6790, orURL: http://dnr.wi.gov/education/

Environmental DefenseURL: http://www.scorecard.org/

Air

Air


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The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources provides equal opportunity in its employment, programs, services, and functions under anAffirmative Action Plan. If you have any questions, please write to Equal Opportunity Office, Department of Interior, Washington, D.C. 20240.

This publication is available in alternative format (large print, Braille, audiotape etc.) upon request.Please call 608/266-6790 for more information.

Documents

Clean Air Healthy Children (air, asthma, health), Grades K-3