New Delhi, November 15 (IANS). Experts said long-term exposure to air pollution can cause serious damage to children’s lungs and significantly increase the risk of lung cancer and respiratory diseases like asthma and bronchitis. The air quality of Delhi-NCR remained very poor for the third consecutive day.
The air quality index (AQI) of the national capital reached a severe level of 409 on Friday morning, while it was above 300 in neighboring cities of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.
For the safety of children, all the primary schools of Delhi have been made online. Delhi Chief Minister Atishi made the announcement in a post on social media platform ‘X’. He said that online classes for primary school children will continue till further instructions.
Children are especially sensitive to the harmful effects of air pollution, which can increase their long-term risk of developing lung cancer.
Dr Nitin SG, consultant, medical oncology at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, told IANS, “Lung cancer in childhood is rare. Polluted air contains toxic particles such as carbon compounds and heavy metals that can damage the cells of the respiratory tract. This exposure often leads to chronic diseases such as asthma and bronchitis which are worryingly common in urban areas.
He said, “Repeated damage and inflammation from pollution over time can lead to serious lung diseases, including cancer, as they age. There are many ways to protect children’s health and reduce their risk of cancer in the future. It is important to reduce pollution.
Dr Arvind Kumar, chairman of the Institute of Chest Surgery, Chest Onco Surgery and Lung Transplantation, Medanta Hospital, Gurugram, told IANS: “The impact on future generations is significant, as a child exposed to high levels of pollution may die throughout his life. “Can inhale smoke equivalent to 10 cigarettes from day one.”
A recent study conducted by the Lung Care Foundation conducted spirometry tests on over 3000 children in 3 schools in Delhi, which found that one-third of children aged 11-17 years were suffering from asthma, linking air pollution to was identified as an important risk factor. The inflammation caused by these pollutants can cause serious lung diseases, including cancer. Reducing pollution is important to protect children’s health and reduce their risk of cancer in the future.
Experts have called for preventive measures like wearing face masks and limiting outdoor activities during peak pollution hours.
–IANS
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