As air pollution worsens in north Indian States, experts point out that the children stand to suffer the most due to the deteriorating quality of air.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), premature death is one of the major concerns worldwide. More than permissible levels of particulate matter (PM) in the air lead to about seven million premature deaths across the world each year.
Being in the vicinity of industrial and agricultural centres of Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Western Uttar Pradesh, the Himalayan State of Uttarakhand faces an ever increasing public health challenge due to air pollution especially in the Terai region. According to child specialist Dr NS Khatri, air pollution affects people of every age group but has an extensive and terrible impact on children in uniquely damaging ways.
Children are particularly vulnerable as they are still in their developing stage and are prone to various diseases. Air pollution can lead to reduced lung function, respiratory tract infections, skin ailments and other health issues.
Dr Khatri further states that children especially newborns and infants are by far the worst affected because of air pollution. “Most children suffer from eye irritation and skin rashes especially in this season. Children who are asthmatic become prone to other dangerous respiratory diseases during this time of the year,” he added.