Question

which of the following is a valid explanation as to why children are at a higher risk to health effects relating to environmental hazards?
a. childrens smaller lungs make them more likely to fill up with harmful chemicals.
b. childrens immune systems are not fully developed causing them to be at a higher risk.
c. children have less outdoor exposure, making them less adapted to outside conditions.
d. children take more shallow breaths than adults, causing them to inhale contaminants more frequently.

Explanation:

• Option a: Lung size is not the main reason for higher risk. The key is the body's ability to deal with hazards rather than just lung volume.
• Option b: Children's immune systems are indeed not fully developed. A less - developed immune system means they are less able to fight off the negative impacts of environmental hazards.
• Option c: In reality, children often have more outdoor exposure (e.g., playing in parks). And more exposure does not mean less adaptation in a way that causes higher risk from environmental hazards.
• Option d: Children actually take more rapid breaths (higher respiratory rate) rather than more shallow breaths compared to adults.

Answer:

B. Children's immune systems are not fully developed causing them to be at a higher risk.