About 1 Lakh Children Died Of Air Pollution in 2016 - Wake Up Now!

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) report, out of 194 countries, India recorded the highest death rate of children below five years due to indoor and outdoor air pollution. This report also estimated that India has the second highest death rate overall due to air pollution, after Nigeria.

Another report, titled, "Air Pollution and Child Health", estimated that in 2016 approximately 100,000 children (below 5 years) died due to respiratory complications caused by outdoor and indoor air pollution.

According to WHO, about 98% of children below 5 years are exposed to PM 2.5 pollutants in India that exceed normal pollutant levels. These small particles are capable of entering the bloodstream and cause many acute lower respiratory diseases.

This study also estimated that high levels of Polycyclic Aromatic, Carcinogenic Compound and Hydrocarbons (PAHs) have been seen in the sample of women's breasts. This is one of the reasons behind pollutants entering bodies of lactating children.

Diseases Caused Among Children Due to Air Pollution

The report also stated that most of the children who are exposed to these pollutants have respiratory diseases like Leukaemia, Retinoblastoma, Otitis Media, Asthma, Nutritional Deficiency, Vitamin D Deficiency, etc. WHO reports have also established that exposure to these pollutants can lead to many behavioural disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, insulin resistance, and obesity.

1. Deficiency of Vitamin D: Children who are continuously exposed to air pollutants are at risk of deficiency of Vitamin D. Deficiency of Vitamin D caused many diseases and lower the nutritional level of the body.
2. Weak Immune System: Exposure to pollutants can even affect the immune system. High pollutants can alter the ability of the Immune System and lead to disturbance in the Hormonal System.
3. Asthma: One of the main problems that occur in adults as well as children due to pollution is Asthma. It lowers the breathing rate of children. 
4. Pneumonia: Inhaling air with pollutants can block the nasal passage and cause Pneumonia.
5. Leukaemia and Retinoblastoma: Exposing a high concentration of pollutants may also lead to many serious issues like Leukaemia (Blood Cancer) or Retinoblastoma (Eye Cancer). 
6. Lung and Brain Development: Weak immune systems and nutritional deficiencies can also affect the development of organs like Lung and Brain. High pollutant concentration in bloodstream may destroy nerve cells and lead to many behavioural disorders.

How to Protect Children from Air Pollution?

There are many ways to protect children from air pollution. It is also very important to protect the mother if the child is infant.

Some of the air pollution prevention methods are listed below:  

• Less use of vehicles. Prefer walking or cycling
• Maximize the use of renewable energy
• Grow plants in houses and surroundings
• Use protection mask while stepping out of the house
• Keep the environment neat and clean
• Routine checkup of lactating mother and child
• Reduce the usage of plastics
• Stop stubble and garbage burning

It's a major cause of concern that India has recorded the highest number of child deaths due to pollution in 2016. We need to come together as a country and start following sustainable practices so as to reduce this menace of pollution and provide a healthy environment for our children.