Kakali Das
In Delhi, clean air feels like a luxury, not a right. As winter arrives, the city often finds itself cloaked in thick smog. The morning after Diwali is particularly bleak, with heavy pollution pushing air quality to alarming levels. Visibility drops, and the air fills with smoke. This cycle has become a sad tradition.
Firecrackers, burning crop residue, and vehicle emissions combine to create this unhealthy atmosphere. More and more people report respiratory problems. Hospitals see a steady increase in patients struggling to breathe, cough, or experience eye irritation. Some doctors even recommend that those who can afford it leave the city until pollution levels drop.
This issue affects everyone, but children bear the brunt. Recent studies highlight that air pollution is a leading cause of health problems in young people, following malnutrition. In fact, the State of Global Air Report 2024 shows that polluted air significantly increases the risk of illness and death in children, who are especially vulnerable as their bodies develop.
For instance, pregnant women exposed to polluted air face higher risks during pregnancy. Research indicates that this exposure can lead to premature births, lower birth weights, and long-term health issues for the baby. Studies like the one from the Journal of Environmental Economics and Management reveal that increases in air pollution are directly correlated with stunted growth in children.
Fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, poses a critical danger. These tiny particles can enter the lungs and travel into the bloodstream, affecting various body systems. Alarmingly, PM2.5 levels in Delhi spike almost 49% on Diwali night alone.
Globally, air pollution doesn’t impact everyone equally. In 2023, India and China accounted for about 52% of air pollution-related deaths. This stark statistic highlights the need for more effective policies. Vulnerable communities often face the worst health consequences, living near pollution sources and lacking access to healthcare.
As experts warn, the consequences of air pollution extend beyond breathing difficulties. It can lead to heart disease, cancers, and cognitive decline. New research links PM2.5 exposure to an increased risk of dementia, particularly in older adults. Reports state that in 2023 alone, around 29% of global dementia deaths were tied to air pollution.
Furthermore, climate change exacerbates air quality issues. Rising temperatures boost the formation of ground-level ozone, which, combined with pollution, heightens health risks. Without immediate and substantial action, children will continue to suffer, impacting their future quality of life.
The Indian government has implemented initiatives to combat air pollution, like the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, which promotes cleaner cooking fuels. Despite these efforts, enforcement is often weak, allowing pollution sources to operate with little regulation. Proactive measures should replace reactive ones to ensure pollution levels remain manageable.
Addressing air pollution is a public health emergency. It requires a focus on long-term solutions, including cleaner energy, better urban design, and strict enforcement of regulations. Without these actions, the health and future of our children remain at risk.
In essence, the smog that grips Delhi each winter is more than just an inconvenience. It signals a failure to protect public health and threatens the lives and futures of countless children. Clean air is essential, and the time for serious action is now.
For further information on the health impacts of air pollution, visit the World Health Organization.
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