Delhi-NCR Pollution: Expert's advice on how to protect your children from the hazardous air

Over the past few days, Delhi has been covered by a heavy layer of smog, and images from various areas of the city have been circulating on social media. 
The Air Quality Index (AQI) in the city has dropped to hazardous and severe categories. 

During the festive season of Diwali, when India is immersed in the joy of lights and celebrations, a hidden threat looms in the form of air pollution. One of the key concerns during this time is getting exposed to toxic air.

In our recent interview with Dr Sai Praveen Haranath, Pulmonologist, explains that in such an alarming sitution where air pollution is taking over everybody's health, what parents can do do take care of their children during high polluted days. 

Tips to take care of children from pollution

• Attempt to limit outdoor activities in the open air
• Ensure that fans are expelling air from indoors
• Engage in indoor activities with your children to discourage outdoor excursions
• Make certain your child wears a mask when going outside
• Always have the air purifiers turned on and properly maintained

During the conversation, Dr. Sai highlighted that individuals with asthma, in a situation analogous to the pollen season, often initiate their inhalers in a preemptive manner. This is done both to reduce inflammation and to utilize short-acting inhalers that can help relax the air passages. Therefore, it is always advisable to consult with your doctor beforehand. 

He mentioned that it's important to start taking precautions before the season begins. Standard measures include washing hands, wearing masks, and getting vaccinated for pneumonia and influenza.

Are pregnant women negatively affected by air pollution?

Dr. Sai explains that prenatal exposure to pollutants can impact children. While there is no data suggesting a direct link between these environmental factors, there is no doubt that these elements play a vital role. During pregnancy, it's important to ensure that you are avoiding pollutants and maintaining your health.

Are children safe indoors?

Expert recommend avoiding carpets, which can harbor dust mites. He also suggests to regularly wash bed linens and pillowcases in hot water to eliminate volatile organic compounds. Furthermore, they emphasize that there is no straightforward solution to air pollution, and the best approach for our health is to minimize exposure to external air whenever possible. 

Also watch: Air pollution: Not only your lungs but your eyes need protection too during high level smog