Delhi has put the spotlight on air pollution. But while Delhi chokes, we need to realize that poor air quality is the grim reality of many other cities in our country, which have pollution levels much higher than the safety standards set by WHO (World Health Organization).
Air pollution is the biggest environmental threat to mankind and the cause of every 1 in 9 deaths across the world. While no one is spared by this ‘invisible’ killer, here we will focus on one vulnerable group – our children.
Children are more likely to be affected by the ill effects of poor air quality compared to healthy adults. If a child already suffers from heart disease, respiratory disease or diabetes, air pollution is likely to cause more problems.
Health impact on children
Air pollution not only causes immediate ill effects like – breathing problems, asthma attacks, pneumonia, and allergies but can also have a long-term impact on the overall growth and development of children. The immature immune system of children is an easy prey for infections which can interfere with school and learning. It can worsen underlying health problems, decrease lung capacity and may interfere with brain development.
What makes children more prone to ill effects?
Children breathe faster than adults and will end up inhaling more pollutants. Their body weight is lesser and the exposure to pollutants will be larger per unit of body weight. Their airways are already narrow and small and get blocked easily when irritated, causing breathing trouble. The inner linings of the airways allow ultra-fine pollutants to pass through easily and penetrate the lungs and blood vessels.
Living with pollution
While policymakers and citizens struggle to find a solution, the harsh truth is we have to live with it for some time. This makes it imperative that we take all possible precautions to at least minimize the effects of air pollution.
Taking a cue from the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) of the USA, all stakeholders including parents, teachers, doctors and school managements need to come together and outline an activity plan based on the pollution levels. This will ensure that students remain physically active with minimum ill effects of air pollution.
A few other possible steps are:
- Make it a routine to refer to pollution forecasts of the particular area/city. Plan and modify activity as per the forecast. Refer to real-time AQI (Air quality index). On days when air quality is below standard, have less intense activity and give frequent breaks to ensure that children do not breathe hard and inhale more pollutants. Try to have an indoor physical activity like dance and aerobics on such days.
- Keep the health records of students up-to-date. Special care needs to be taken when outdoor activity is planned for any child with asthma, heart disease or allergies especially on days when the air quality is even moderately polluted.
- Be alert to the symptoms of asthma and take quick action. Ensure that children carry their quick-relief medicine always and have an action plan given by their doctors in case of emergency. But always remember, symptoms alone are not a reliable indicator of air pollution.
- Use the current scenario as a teachable moment and talk to children about the link between air pollution and health, ways to reduce pollution, good waste management, clean energy, and transport. Motivate them to raise a voice by starting a social campaign.
All of us deserve clean air and must work towards it. Meanwhile, let us at least try to help our children breathe easier and grow healthier.
Ref:
- https://www.epa.gov/particle-pollution-and-your-patients-health
- https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/airpollution/airquality/pdfs/Air_Quality_and_Outdoor_Activity_Guidance.pdf
- https://weshare.unicef.org/archive/Clear-the-Air-for-Children—Report-2AMZIFKPLFU.html
- http://www.who.int/airpollution/en/
- http://breathelife2030.org