Protecting Children's Health Amidst Delhi's Toxic Air Pollution

The worsening air quality in Delhi as a result of weather changes and incidences of stubble burning in North India has become a source of concern for Delhi residents, who suffer several health hazards as a result of the toxic air (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Stubble-burning activities in north-western India in 2021: Contribution to air pollution in Delhi

Go to source).

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Ill-Effects of Air Pollution

Air pollution can expose humans to toxic particulate matter or particles found in the air, such as dust, soot, smoke, and so on, and is especially dangerous for vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly. Toxic air can weaken a child's immune system, making them more vulnerable to illnesses such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis (bronchial inflammation). Air pollution can potentially increase the risk of heart disease and lung cancer, and it affects people in both the long and short term (2^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Effects of air pollution on human health - Mechanistic evidence suggested by in vitro and in vivo modelling

Go to source). PM 2.5 particles can penetrate deep into the lung passages and cause damage. Toxic air can damage children even before they are born, causing developmental problems.

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How Air Pollution Can Affect Your Child's Health

According to Dr. Ravi Shekhar Jha, Director and Head of Pulmonology at Fortis Escorts Hospital in Faridabad, air pollution can hurt children's health, ranging from immediate respiratory concerns to long-term developmental and cognitive impairments. Dr. Jha discusses how air pollution can affect the health of your child (3^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Air pollution and children's health

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• Respiratory issues:

  Pollutants such as particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can cause asthma exacerbations, bronchitis, and decreased lung function in children.

• Illnesses:

  Because air pollution affects the immune system, children are more vulnerable to respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis.

• Developmental difficulties:

  Prenatal and early-life air pollution exposure can cause developmental delays, disrupt brain development, and result in cognitive and behavioral disorders.

• Impaired lung growth:

  Pollutants impair lung growth, potentially causing irreversible lung damage in youngsters.

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Cultivating Environmental Responsibilty Among Children

According to Dr. Jagdish Kathwate, Consultant Neonatologist and paediatrician at Motherhood Hospital in Pune, it is critical to teach children about the detrimental effects of air pollution and how they may help to prevent it. Encouraging children to participate in activities such as tree planting or organizing neighborhood clean-up campaigns to promote a feeling of environmental responsibility can also be beneficial (4^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Healthy Air, Healthy Brains: Advancing Air Pollution Policy to Protect Children's Health

Go to source). "By staying informed about the daily Air Quality Index (AQI), you and your children can plan activities accordingly and avoid spending prolonged periods outdoors when pollution levels are particularly high. This simple step will not only reduce exposure to harmful particles but also protect respiratory health in the long run. Teaching them simple practices like turning off lights when not in use or using public transportation whenever possible can go a long way in reducing air pollution," says Dr. Kathwate.

"Parents should prioritize creating a healthy indoor environment for their children. Many studies have shown that indoor air quality can be just as damaging as outdoor pollution. To improve indoor air quality, parents should avoid smoking inside the house and use natural cleaning products instead of harsh chemicals. Investing in air purifiers with HEPA filters can effectively remove allergens and pollutants from the air, creating a haven for children. Reducing dependence on fossil fuels is key to combating air pollution. Parents can set an example by choosing energy-efficient appliances for their homes and encouraging alternative modes of transportation like walking or cycling for shorter distances. Explaining to kids how switching to renewable sources of energy like solar power helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions can instill values of environmental stewardship from a young age. By involving children in discussions and decisions related to sustainability, empower them with knowledge on how they too can actively contribute towards tackling air pollution. The use of crackers during festivals and weddings leads to air pollution. So, children should try to stay away from firecrackers," adds Dr Kathwate.

Protecting Children From Air Pollution

Dr. Jha suggests the following strategies to protect your children from the detrimental impacts of air pollution (5^✔ ✔Trusted Source
How to protect school children from the neurodevelopmental harms of air pollution by interventions in the school environment in the urban context

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• Monitor air quality:

  Use credible sources to stay updated about local air quality, and minimize outside activities on days with high pollution levels.

• Interior air quality:

  Improve interior air quality by using air purifiers, appropriate ventilation, and reducing indoor pollution sources such as tobacco smoke and kitchen emissions.

• Avoid high-traffic areas:

  Limit children's exposure to traffic-related pollution by walking or cycling away from major roadways.

• Encourage outdoor activities:

  Spending time in green, open settings where pollution levels are lower.

• Reduce car emissions:

  Use public transportation, carpool, or use environmentally friendly vehicles to reduce emissions from automobiles.

• Policy advocate:

  Support policies and activities aimed at reducing air pollution, such as tougher emissions requirements and better energy sources.

• Prevent indoor toxins:

  Inspect houses and schools for indoor pollutants such as radon gas and lead-based paint, and take steps to address any issues that arise.

• Educate and promote awareness:

  Inform parents, caregivers, and educators about the dangers of air pollution and the significance of taking precautions.

"Safeguarding children from air pollution involves a combination of individual actions, community efforts, and governmental policies aimed at creating cleaner and healthier environments for our youngest generation," adds Dr. Jha.

References:

1. Stubble-burning activities in north-western India in 2021: Contribution to air pollution in Delhi - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37332916/)
2. Effects of air pollution on human health - Mechanistic evidence suggested by in vitro and in vivo modelling - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35525290/)
3. Air pollution and children's health - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15060197/)
4. Healthy Air, Healthy Brains: Advancing Air Pollution Policy to Protect Children's Health - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30789769/)
5. How to protect school children from the neurodevelopmental harms of air pollution by interventions in the school environment in the urban context - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30216772/)

Source-Medindia