Features of Technogenic Pollution Impact on Physical Development of Adolescents in European North and Mid-Latitudes

Abstract

For study of the character of technogenic pollution impact on physical development of adolescents, there were estimated body length and weight, the weight and growth index, Quetelet and Rohrer indices and blood pressure in 14-year old girls and boys from birth living in the mid-latitudes (Cities of Yaransk, Kirov) or in the European North conditions (s. Sedyu, City of Ukhta) at different levels of technogenic pollution: suspended matter, SO2, CO, NO2, formaldehyde and benzo(a)perrin in free air. Comparison of the adolescents in Sedyu and Yaransk living under the low-level technogenic pollution has shown no impact of the European North conditions on the physical development indices. Comparison of the adolescents in Yaransk and Kirov as well as in Sedyu and Ukhta has shown that the high level of technogenic pollution in the mid-latitude conditions delayed physical development, and in the European North conditions, it did not have similar effect, that was explained by the phenomenon of cross-adaptation.