Breathing with Care
8 tips for parents and caregivers to protect children as air quality deteriorates across South Asia
With the onset of winter in South Asia, air quality has started to turn toxic across the region. Recently, the air quality index [1]reached 500 in Delhi and Lahore, causing governments to temporarily close schools. Other South Asian cities also consistently rank high in the list of most polluted cities globally.
The main culprits include vehicle emissions, industrial pollution, traditional fuels for cooking, small industries such as brick kilns, burning of garbage and agricultural waste[2].
[1] The Air Quality Index is a tool that tells you how clean or polluted your outdoor air is. Levels between 101 and 200 are considered moderate while those between 201 and 300 are categorized poor, and a figure higher than 500 is considered 'severe’.
[2] Striving for Clean Air: Air Pollution and Public Health in South Asia (worldbank.org)
Some air pollutants are also major contributors to climate change. It is raising the average temperature of our planet, causing extreme weather events and long-term environmental degradation.
So why does this matter for South Asia? Well, South Asia is home to over 627 million children. Since the region also ranks as one of the most polluted regions in the world[1], this is now a child health crisis with millions consistently exposed to dangerous air quality. It is, therefore, crucial for parents and caregivers to understand how they can protect their children’s health.
[1] “Striving for Clean Air: Air Pollution and Public Health in South Asia,” published by The World Bank, Year: 2023.
Impacts of air pollution on children
Children are especially vulnerable to air pollution because they breathe faster and more often through their mouths, taking in more pollutants than adults. Studies have shown that air pollution can affect children’s brain development during the critical early years of life and, in some cases, cause stunting. In 2019, 20% of newborn deaths were attributed to air pollution, most related to complications of low birth weight and preterm births.
Every year, air pollution is estimated to kill 130,000 children under 5, in South Asia.[1] It is linked to serious acute lower respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, asthma, bronchitis, impaired lung function, and other often fatal diseases. The more children fall sick, the more they miss out on playtime, learning and social interactions – which can affect their ability to realise their full potential.
[1] Toxic air is harming our children with every breath that they take | UNICEF South Asia
Recognising symptoms of exposure to air pollution
Here are some symptoms that can result from exposure to air pollution. Talk to your doctor immediately if your child is showing any of these symptoms:
- Dry/irritated eyes, headache, fatigue, allergies, or shortness of breath.
- In infants, look out for signs of exertion while breathing.
- People with asthma might experience more severe asthmatic attacks, including shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing, or wheezing.
Tips to protect your children from air pollution this winter
Living in cities like Delhi, Dhaka, Kathmandu, or Lahore means dealing with toxic air quality regularly. Here are some additional strategies to cope:
- Monitor air quality: Stay informed about daily air quality levels in your area using reliable apps or government websites. Free apps like Plume or IQAir can be downloaded on to your phone.
- Plan outdoor activities wisely: Schedule outdoor activities during times of lower pollution, typically in the early morning or late evening. Try to reduce the time spent in areas where pollution is high, such as near or around areas of severe traffic congestion or sources of industrial pollution. On days with poor air quality, restrict your child's outdoor playtime and consider indoor alternatives.
- Keep pollutants out: During high pollution, keep windows and doors closed while still allowing adequate ventilation. If your budget allows, use air purifiers for your home, which can greatly absorb much of the indoor circulating pollutants.
- Cook in well-ventilated spaces: Use exhaust fans or open a window in the kitchen when cooking. Use clean fuels to cook if feasible. If ventilation is challenging, cook outdoors.
- Plant indoor plants: Certain easy to maintain indoor plants like the Spider and Snake plant or Areca palm can help improve air quality naturally. Consider adding them to your home decor.
- Reduce vehicle use: Carpooling or using public transportation can reduce emissions. Walk or bike for short trips.
- Maintaining healthy lifestyles and vaccinations: Encouraging a healthy lifestyle can help build immunity and protect kids from the harms of air pollution. Healthy children are less likely to face problems from breathing in polluted air. This means giving them lots of love and care, starting with 6 months of breastfeeding, keeping their immunisation schedule up to date, feeding them well, and letting them have plenty of fun and playtime.
- Advocate for change: Air pollution is everyone’s concern. Join local and national initiatives advocating for cleaner air, stricter emissions regulations, and improved public transport. And do your part!
