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Delhi's Children Choke on Toxic Air
27 Nov
Summary
- Delhi's air quality is over 20 times the WHO recommended limit.
- Childhood respiratory illnesses have increased tenfold in recent years.
- Many parents consider leaving Delhi due to air pollution concerns.
The toxic haze engulfing Delhi disproportionately affects its youngest residents, leading to a surge in respiratory ailments reported at pediatric clinics. Air quality has been alarmingly poor, surpassing World Health Organization recommendations by more than twenty times, particularly impacting children and the elderly. This recurring winter pollution stems from a combination of factors including low wind speeds, industrial emissions, and seasonal crop burning.
Parents express deep anxiety as their children's health deteriorates. One mother recounts a harrowing night rushing her infant daughter to the emergency room with severe pneumonia, a condition exacerbated by the toxic air. This incident has left her in constant fear of her child's well-being. Other families face similar struggles, with doctors recommending prolonged inhaler use for children suffering from chest congestion.
The long-term consequences of air pollution on child development, immunity, and cognitive abilities are a growing concern, prompting some families to consider leaving the city. While measures like postponing outdoor sports and shifting classes to hybrid modes are implemented, they offer limited relief, especially for disadvantaged children living in highly polluted areas. The ongoing crisis forces parents to make difficult choices about their children's safety and well-being.
