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Delhi-NCR has turned into a smoke chamber these days. According to experts, inhaling the toxic air that prevails in Delhi-NCR is equivalent to smoking 25-30 cigarettes.
Now, imagine a child inhaling the samer air. Sounds horrible, right?
Just like adults, children are also entrapped in the smog that has fully enveloped Delhi NCR.. This article highlights some severe health hazards children face due to the city's toxic air and ways to prevent health hazards. Read through to understand how critical this crisis could be for your child.
What are the Effects of Air Pollution?
According to The Energy and Resources Institutes (TERI), the air quality of the national capital region worsens every year during the winters. The poor quality air leaves everyone; especially children feeling suffocated and sick. Below are the major effects of air pollution for kids.
- Unhealthy air directly affects the neurodevelopment and cognitive ability of children.
- Toxic air triggers bronchitis, asthma and childhood cancer.
- Children exposed to high levels of air pollution are at a higher risk of getting a chronic disease, such as cardiovascular disease or pulmonary diseases, lung cancer, pneumonia, etc.
- Polluted air also increases the risk of congenital disorders significantly among infants.
The fact that young children breathe faster and more frequently than adults, makes them more susceptible to breathing most harmful air pollutants or polluted air.
How to Reduce the Health Effects of Air Pollution
Air pollution in Delhi NCR has become havoc these days, and children have been barred from playing outdoor games due to poor air quality. Here are the key measures to combat over the effects of air pollution for kids.
- Raising awareness about using public transportation, cycling, or simply walking are a few of the safest ways to reduce carbon footprint and air pollution.
- Encouraging safe walking routes for children as it can reduce their exposure to air pollution en route to school and school-related activities.
- Mapping out safe routes with reduced emissions is an effective initiative that schools could implement to assist their students in leading healthier lives by breathing healthy air.
- Wear masks mandatorily while going outdoors.
- Install air purifiers to filter the air around you and your children.
- Keep air-purifying plants in and around the living area.
>>Also Read: Importance and Benefits of Child Health Insurance Plans
Did You Know: Asthma Cases are Surging Among Children in Delhi
As per the medical experts at AIIMS, the disastrous air quality across Delhi NCR has affected children's health, resulting in the rise of asthma cases and respiratory issues among young children. Children in the age group of 2-13 years are falling prey to asthma exacerbation. Also, pollution, weather changes, and passive smoking have aggravated asthma among children.
High and uncontrollable levels of air pollution have put children at higher risk of developing chronic conditions like this. This may become another uncontrollable health crisis after Covid if not controlled.
Health experts suggested that parents should ensure their children are hydrated, and their exposure to the outside environment is between 9 am and 4 pm under the sun only. Wearing masks before going out and adding vitamin-c with a healthy diet will protect them against many health conditions.
Summing it Up!
Seeing a child falling sick can be excruciating, but not getting the proper treatment at the right time can be devastating and regretful. . So, if your child falls prey to the current catastrophe, make sure you have your family floater health insurance in place so that there is no financial burden on you and your family for the treatment of your child. Care Health Insurance's family plan comes with comprehensive benefits that provide a safety cushion during any medical emergency. With a wide range of medical insurance policies available, choosing the right one ensures your child receives the best possible care without financial stress. If you haven't included your child in your family healthcare plan yet, NOW is the time!
Disclaimer: The information mentioned above is for reference purposes only. Please refer to your policy document if you have queries related to buying health insurance plan.
