Health and Me

Ishita Roy

Delhi Again Wakes Up To Toxic Air After A Brief Respite, Children Are The Worst Hit

<span>Delhi pollution</span> continues to worse, while yesterday their was a brief respite when the air quality index (AQI) levels were reported under the 'poor' category, and the AQI dropped to 269 at 7am on November 30. However, today, on December 1, the AQI at several stations crossed 300. 

As per the Central <span>Pollution</span> Control Board (CPCB), Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 325, ITO at 325, Rohini at 341, Bawana at 339, RK Puram at 336, Vivek Vihar at 321, Shadipur at 324, and Pusa at 322. 

<h2>Children Are The Worst Victims Of Delhi Pollution</h2>

The toxic air in Delhi has spared no one, but the worst affected are children. On a recent weekday morning in Noida, a suburb near Delhi, BBC reported that at a crowded children’s clinic parents waited anxiously with little ones who were coughing, wheezing or struggling to breathe.

Most families said their children started falling sick in October, right when the capital’s air quality slipped into the hazardous range. This is a yearly pattern across northern India. A mix of slow winds, industrial fumes, vehicle emissions, dropping temperatures and the burning of crop residue creates a thick layer of pollution that settles over the region.

Since last month, Delhi’s Air Quality Index has mostly stayed between 300 and 400. These levels are over 20 times higher than what the World Health Organization (WHO) considers safe. Readings this high affect everyone, but young children and older adults are the most vulnerable.

Hospitals across the city have been overwhelmed with children suffering from pollution-related illnesses. Dr Shishir Bhatnagar, who heads the clinic in Noida, told BBC the number of cases has jumped sharply. He explained that young children are especially at risk because their immunity is still developing. He usually sees about 20 to 30 percent of cases linked to pollution, but that number doubles during the winter smog.

Although authorities often introduce emergency measures like halting construction or restricting vehicles, the situation has barely improved. Even an attempt at cloud seeding this year failed to bring relief, leaving millions worried about their families’ health.

For some parents, the fear is constant. BBC reports that Khushboo Bharti remembers rushing her one-year-old daughter to the hospital after a severe coughing fit left the baby vomiting and struggling to stay alert. The toddler later needed oxygen and was diagnosed with pneumonia. Other parents share similar worries, wondering whether the polluted air might cause lasting harm.

Research has repeatedly shown that prolonged exposure to polluted air can impair lung development, weaken immunity and even affect brain health. A recent study from the University of Cambridge linked certain pollutants to higher risks of dementia later in life.

While schools have postponed outdoor activities and moved younger classes online, these precautions mainly help families who have access to resources. For children living in crowded homes or near busy roads, the daily exposure is far worse. Doctors urge parents to keep children indoors when possible and use N95 masks, but many families find this unsustainable.

Parents say they feel helpless. They know children need space to play and fresh air to grow, yet every winter forces them to choose safety over normal childhood experiences.

As per CPCB standards, here's how you can read AQI:

<ul><li>0 to 50 Good</li><li>51 to 100 Satisfactory</li><li>101 to 200 Moderate</li><li>201 to 300 Poor</li><li>301 to 400 Very Poor</li><li>401 to 500 Severe</li></ul>

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Delhi pollution continues to worse, while yesterday their was a brief respite when the air quality index (AQI) levels were reported under the 'poor' category, and the AQI dropped to 269 at 7am on November 30. However, today, on December 1, the AQI at several stations crossed 300. As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 325, ITO at 325, Rohini at 341, Bawana at 339, RK Puram at 336, Vivek Vihar at 321, Shadipur at 324, and Pusa at 322. Children Are The Worst Victims Of Delhi PollutionThe toxic air in Delhi has spared no one, but the worst affected are children. On a recent weekday morning in Noida, a suburb near Delhi, BBC reported that at a crowded children’s clinic parents waited anxiously with little ones who were coughing, wheezing or struggling to breathe.Most families said their children started falling sick in October, right when the capital’s air quality slipped into the hazardous range. This is a yearly pattern across northern India. A mix of slow winds, industrial fumes, vehicle emissions, dropping temperatures and the burning of crop residue creates a thick layer of pollution that settles over the region.Since last month, Delhi’s Air Quality Index has mostly stayed between 300 and 400. These levels are over 20 times higher than what the World Health Organization (WHO) considers safe. Readings this high affect everyone, but young children and older adults are the most vulnerable.Hospitals across the city have been overwhelmed with children suffering from pollution-related illnesses. Dr Shishir Bhatnagar, who heads the clinic in Noida, told BBC the number of cases has jumped sharply. He explained that young children are especially at risk because their immunity is still developing. He usually sees about 20 to 30 percent of cases linked to pollution, but that number doubles during the winter smog.Although authorities often introduce emergency measures like halting construction or restricting vehicles, the situation has barely improved. Even an attempt at cloud seeding this year failed to bring relief, leaving millions worried about their families’ health.For some parents, the fear is constant. BBC reports that Khushboo Bharti remembers rushing her one-year-old daughter to the hospital after a severe coughing fit left the baby vomiting and struggling to stay alert. The toddler later needed oxygen and was diagnosed with pneumonia. Other parents share similar worries, wondering whether the polluted air might cause lasting harm.Research has repeatedly shown that prolonged exposure to polluted air can impair lung development, weaken immunity and even affect brain health. A recent study from the University of Cambridge linked certain pollutants to higher risks of dementia later in life.While schools have postponed outdoor activities and moved younger classes online, these precautions mainly help families who have access to resources. For children living in crowded homes or near busy roads, the daily exposure is far worse. Doctors urge parents to keep children indoors when possible and use N95 masks, but many families find this unsustainable.Parents say they feel helpless. They know children need space to play and fresh air to grow, yet every winter forces them to choose safety over normal childhood experiences.How To Read AQI?As per CPCB standards, here's how you can read AQI:0 to 50 Good51 to 100 Satisfactory101 to 200 Moderate201 to 300 Poor301 to 400 Very Poor401 to 500 Severe