Toxic Air Threatens Unborn Babies: Doctors Warn of Lifelong Health Consequences

In the past decade, doctors have witnessed a concerning surge in childhood asthma, allergies, and respiratory illnesses, particularly in urban areas. According to Dr. Kana Ram Jat, a professor at AIIMS Delhi, the number of children reporting to the hospital with severe coughing and breathing issues increases every November as pollution levels spike.

The problem often begins in the womb, as fetuses exposed to air pollutants can develop compromised respiratory systems. Dr. Manish Mannan, Head of Paediatrics and Neonatology at Paras Hospital in Gurugram, explains that toxic particles can cross the placenta, causing inflammation, reduced oxygen delivery, and impaired organ development. This leads to newborns being born with smaller lung volumes, immature airways, and weakened immune function, requiring longer stays in neonatal intensive care units and extended oxygen support.

The long-term consequences are worrying, as these children are more prone to developing chronic respiratory illnesses, as well as other conditions like diabetes and heart disease, later in life. Doctors emphasize the need for urgent action, including improved urban planning, stricter emission controls, and better air quality monitoring to safeguard the health of the next generation.