Delhi's Children at Risk: 30% Borderline Asthmatic
Delhi’s air pollution has escalated into a grave public health crisis, with children suffering the most. Dr. Harsh Vardhan Puri, a prominent chest surgeon at Medanta Hospital, highlights that 30% of children in Delhi are borderline asthmatic. This alarming statistic reflects a growing trend of respiratory issues stemming from polluted air, which can begin as early as childhood or even before birth.
Dr. Puri reveals that the scale of this crisis is evident in hospitals where childhood respiratory problems have become commonplace. He explains that children are particularly vulnerable due to the ongoing development of their lungs until the age of 10 to 12. Exposure to high pollution levels during these critical years can prevent their lungs from achieving full capacity, leading to long-term health consequences.
According to Dr. Puri, we are inadvertently raising a generation of “respiratory cripples.” These children face reduced lung capacity, lower stamina, and a significantly increased risk of developing asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease early in life. Even when symptoms appear mild or absent, the damage is already being done, laying the foundation for chronic diseases.
Dr. Puri emphasizes that the impact of pollution begins even before birth. He explains that ultra-fine particles like PM1 can pass through the lungs into the bloodstream and reach unborn babies through the placenta. Citing medical studies, he notes that 276 different types of pollutants have been found in umbilical cord samples, revealing that these toxins infiltrate the lungs, brain, and cells of the fetus long before they take their first breath.
This alarming situation calls for immediate action. Dr. Puri stresses that addressing pollution is not just a personal issue; it is a collective responsibility to ensure the health of future generations. The time to act is now, not just to protect our children’s lungs but to safeguard their overall well-being and quality of life in the years to come.
