child health

AIR POLUTION IN INDIA : CAUSES, IMPACTS & SOLUTIONS

Air pollution is a critical environmental and public health issue, contributing to respiratory illnesses, child mortality, and climate change. Major sources include industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, coal dependence, and crop residue burning. Weak enforcement of environmental regulations and rapid urbanization exacerbate the problem. Case studies from India and globally show that integrated policies, clean energy adoption, sustainable agricultural practices, and strict regulatory measures can help reverse the trend, improving air quality and public health.

AIR POLLUTION & CHILD HEALTH : A GROWING CONCERN IN INDIA

Air pollution in India significantly impacts children’s growth, leading to stunted physical development, respiratory problems, and cognitive impairments. Studies from Delhi-NCR, Punjab, and Vidarbha show that prolonged exposure to fine particulate matter and toxic air pollutants reduces height and lung capacity in children under five. Effective government measures and community-level interventions are crucial to protect children’s health and ensure equitable development.

CHILDHOOD VULNERABILITY TO PM2.5: CHALLENGES, MEASURES, & THE WAY FORWARD

Short-term exposure to PM2.5, especially from landscape fires and urban pollution, significantly increases hospital admissions among children and adolescents for respiratory, infectious, cardiovascular, neurological, digestive, and other illnesses. Children aged 5–9 years and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are particularly vulnerable.

India has implemented measures like the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), air quality monitoring, and crop residue management to reduce PM2.5 exposure. However, challenges persist due to high ambient pollution, indoor smoke, socioeconomic disparities, and gaps in awareness.

A multi-pronged approach involving regulation, clean energy adoption, indoor air quality improvement, public awareness, and child-specific protective measures is essential to safeguard children’s health and reduce the long-term impacts of air pollution.