The Delhi-NCR region has begun to experience air pollution problems. Every year, as the winter season approaches, toxic smog surrounds the capital and the NCR region, containing carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, and other pollutants.
Pollution affects the human body on several levels. While, some have an immediate impact, others take years to manifest and have a negative impact on the body. Children are particularly vulnerable, because they breathe in toxic air on a daily basis.
Why is pollution harmful to children?
PM-10, which includes particles with a diameter of 10 microns or less, is commonly used to assess air quality. Because, of their ability to reach the lower regions of the respiratory tract, these particles are thought to be responsible for negative health effects of humans, especially kids and elderly.
What are the long-term effects of Air pollution on kids?
Here are some of the ways that air pollution can harm children:
1: Lungs
Because, particles can enter the alveoli of the lungs, they can cause serious damage to children's developing lungs. Pollution increases the prevalence of upper and lower respiratory tract symptoms. These symptoms include a dry cough, wheeze, or shortness of breath.
Repeated lung infections can impair lung function. As a result, there is an increased prevalence of obstructive and restrictive type lung function defects, in the long run. According to the World Health Organization, childhood asthma is common, and cystic fibrosis is becoming more common. Lung cancer can develop in these children who are repeatedly exposed to pollution, pollutants, and harmful gases.
2: Cardiovascular effects
It has been discovered that, in addition to organs such as the lungs, it can have cardiovascular effects, such as high blood pressure or other heart-related ailments.
3: Heart issues
Children who are exposed to air pollution have a higher risk of developing heart disease, and other ailments as adults. Non-respiratory effects such as chronic headache, eye and skin irritation have also been reported.
4: Immune system
Exposure to air pollution has also been linked to immune system changes in children. There is some evidence that poor air quality can alter gene regulation, potentially affecting long-term health. As a result, as they grow older they become more susceptible to infections, and immune-related issues.
5: Cognitive deterioration
Several studies conducted over the last two decades have highlighted the negative effects of air pollutants, on specific cognitive and psychomotor functions such as impaired working memory, attention, and fine motor functions.
6: Skin issues
Air pollution allows ultraviolet rays to penetrate the earth's atmosphere, causing temperature increases and climatic changes that predispose people to skin diseases. If mothers are exposed to the harmful effects of air pollution, studies have confirmed an increased risk of vitamin D deficiency and birth defects.
Because, of a higher rate of cell proliferation or changing metabolic capabilities, the developing organ systems of the featus may be more vulnerable to environmental toxins, during critical periods. Prenatal pollution exposure can thus have a negative impact on pregnancy outcomes.
Conclusion
The effects of air pollution in Delhi in early life thus have an impact on a child's physical and mental development, which can have long-term health consequences.
Pollution has a significant impact on early learning, focus, and memory because it affects the child's health, in the early years. This leads to an increase in school absenteeism and poor academic performance, ultimately affecting social and economic growth.
How can we assist?
Netsol Water is dedicated to offering practical solutions for air pollution management, and industrial wastewater treatment thus, safeguarding the world's most valuable resource, the air.
We provide biofilters, scrubbers, incinerators, and many more to control air pollution, so that it has minimal effects on humans, especially kids and elderly. For any further information or to make a purchase, please contact us at +91-9650608473 or email at enquiry@netsolwater.com