How Can I Protect My Child from the Harmful Effects of Poor Air Quality?
SNIPPETSCOMMON CHILDHOOD DISORDERS
Dr Praful Gowda
3 min read
Every winter, many Indian cities—especially Delhi, NCR, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune, and several North Indian towns—see a sharp rise in Air Quality Index (AQI) levels. Parents worry when they read headlines like “Severe pollution today” or see their child coughing more, feeling breathless, or falling sick frequently.
If you are wondering,
“Is this polluted air harming my child?”
“Should I stop outdoor play?”
“Do air purifiers and masks really help?”
Let’s talk about what worsening air quality means, how it affects your child, and what practical steps you can take to protect them—especially in high-pollution cities like Delhi.
What Does “Poor Air Quality” Mean?
Air Quality Index (AQI) tells you how clean or polluted the air is.
0–50: Good
51–100: Satisfactory
101–200: Moderate
201–300: Poor
301–400: Very Poor
>400: Severe
In many Indian cities, especially during winter, AQI often crosses 300–400+, which is harmful for children.
Why Are Children More Affected by Air Pollution?
Children are more vulnerable because:
Their lungs are still growing
They breathe faster than adults
They spend more time outdoors
Their immunity is still developing
Exposure to polluted air, especially high AQI levels, can irritate and damage the lungs over time.
Common Effects of Poor Air Quality on Children
You may notice:
Frequent coughing or throat irritation
Runny or blocked nose
Wheezing or noisy breathing
Shortness of breath
Headaches, fatigue, poor concentration
Increased asthma attacks
More frequent chest infections
Long-term, repeated exposure can impact lung development.
When Should Parents Worry?
Seek medical help urgently if your child has:
Persistent or severe cough
Difficulty breathing or fast breathing
Chest pain
Wheezing not settling with medicines
Fever with breathing difficulty
Extreme tiredness or poor feeding in young children
Children with asthma, allergies, heart disease, premature birth history, or weakened immunity need extra caution.
How to Protect Your Child During High AQI Days
1️⃣ Check AQI Daily and Plan Accordingly
Use reliable apps or government dashboards.
If AQI is above 200, limit outdoor activities.
If above 300, avoid strenuous activity and prolonged outdoor play.
2️⃣ Reduce Outdoor Exposure
Avoid early morning and late evening outdoor play (pollution often peaks)
Prefer indoor play or structured indoor activities
Avoid outdoor exercise and sports on very poor AQI days
3️⃣ Use Masks Correctly (For School-Going Kids)
For children above 5–6 years:
Use N95 or KN95 masks
Ensure proper fit
Cloth masks do not protect from pollution
For toddlers and babies, masks are generally not practical—reduce exposure instead.
4️⃣ Improve Indoor Air Quality
You don’t need expensive solutions always.
You can:
Keep windows closed during high AQI periods
Ventilate during low-pollution hours
Avoid incense sticks, mosquito coils, indoor smoking, and aerosols
Keep the house dust-free
Air purifiers may help in severely polluted cities but are not mandatory for everyone.
5️⃣ Keep Your Child Hydrated and Healthy
Encourage water, warm liquids, soups, fruits
A balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables supports immunity
Avoid unnecessary antibiotics and OTC cough syrups without doctor advice
6️⃣ Special Care for Children with Asthma or Allergy
Continue prescribed inhalers regularly
Keep reliever inhaler handy
Follow your pediatrician’s asthma action plan
Do not stop inhalers fearing “addiction”—they protect the lungs
What to Expect During a Clinic Visit
Your pediatrician may:
Examine breathing and oxygen levels
Check for chest congestion
Prescribe inhalers, bronchodilators, allergy medicines if needed
Advise tests only if required
Doctor’s Tips for Parents
Children do not need to “adjust” to polluted air—pollution is harmful
Do not wait for severe symptoms; act early
School-going kids in high AQI cities benefit from masks
Never expose babies and toddlers to polluted outdoor air unnecessarily
Indoor smoking is extremely harmful—avoid completely
FAQs
1️⃣ Should I completely stop outdoor play?
On extremely high AQI days (above 300), yes, reduce outdoor exposure. On moderate days, short outdoor play is okay with precautions.
2️⃣ Do air purifiers really help?
They may help in closed indoor environments in highly polluted cities like Delhi. But they are not a magic solution. Reducing exposure is more important.
3️⃣ Can pollution cause long-term lung problems?
Repeated exposure can affect lung growth and worsen asthma. That’s why protection is important.
Conclusion
Poor air quality is a real health concern for children, especially in cities like Delhi. With simple, sensible precautions—reducing exposure, masking, safer indoor environments, and timely medical care—you can protect your child’s lungs and overall health.
References
Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) recommendations on air pollution
WHO – Air Pollution and Child Health
American Academy of Pediatrics – Air Pollution and Children’s Health
Government of India AQI Guidelines