A thick blanket of smog has once again engulfed the national capital, with AQI levels in Delhi and several north Indian cities frequently breaching the hazardous mark. While air pollution is often discussed in broad terms, its impact on children remains deeply concerning, as faster breathing rates and developing lungs make them more vulnerable to toxic air.
A 2024 study underlines the scale of this risk. Analysing data from over 2.24 lakh children under the age of five across India, researchers found a strong link between exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and respiratory illnesses in children. The study reported that PM2.5 levels across India remain alarmingly high, with a median concentration of 63.4 µg/m³—well above India’s national air quality standard of 40 µg/m³. Importantly, the likelihood of respiratory illness increased even at pollution levels near or below official safety limits.
The findings are particularly concerning for urban centres like Delhi, which witness sharp pollution spikes during winter and around Diwali. A separate Delhi-focused study on the 2024 pollution crisis showed that acute smog episodes disproportionately affect children and young people, contributing to excess years of life lost and higher mortality at younger ages. The evidence suggests that polluted air does not just cause temporary discomfort; it can have lasting consequences on a child’s health and development.
To understand how polluted air affects children’s health, the early warning signs parents should watch for, and the precautions that can actually make a difference, First Check spoke to Dr Amit Gupta, Senior Neonatologist and Paediatrician at Motherhood Hospitals, Noida.
Why are children more vulnerable to air pollution?
Dr Gupta explains that children are not “small adults” when it comes to pollution exposure. “Children’s lungs are still developing; this process continues till around 10 years of age,” he said. “They also breathe faster than adults. The younger the child, the higher the respiratory rate.”
Because of this, children inhale more polluted air per kilogram of body weight than adults. They are also more physically active and spend more time outdoors, further increasing exposure.
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In addition, a child’s immune system and detoxification mechanisms are still immature. “This means pollutants penetrate deeper and can have more long-lasting effects,” Dr Gupta said.
In the short term, pollution can cause persistent cough, cold, sore throat, eye irritation, headaches, fatigue and skin irritation. “But doctors are far more concerned about repeated exposure,” he added.
“Long-term exposure can reduce lung growth, increase the risk of asthma later in life, and lead to more frequent respiratory infections,” Dr Gupta warned. “There is also growing evidence that air pollution can adversely affect cognitive development and IQ in children.”
Warning signs parents should not ignore
Dr Gupta urges parents to seek medical advice early if they notice persistent or worsening symptoms. “Warning signs include a continuous cough, fast or laboured breathing, disturbed sleep due to coughing, burning or redness in the eyes, skin irritation, or unusual fatigue,” he said.
In younger children, irritability or difficulty feeding can also be red flags.
“If these symptoms persist, parents should consult a paediatrician promptly rather than waiting for them to resolve on their own,” he advised.
Do home remedies and ‘detox’ drinks really help?
Many parents turn to home remedies during high-pollution days - turmeric milk, honey, herbal kadhas, tulsi drops or so-called detox drinks widely promoted on social media.
Dr Gupta offers a clear reality check. “These home remedies may soothe some symptoms like throat irritation or cough, but they are not protection against air pollution,” he said. “They do not block polluted air, they do not prevent lung damage, and there is no scientific evidence that they neutralise pollutants once they enter the lungs.”
What does help, he explained, is strengthening a child’s overall health at home. “At-home physical activity, simple breathing exercises, yoga, safe sun exposure, a nutritious diet and adequate sleep are genuinely beneficial for children. These measures support immunity and lung health, especially when outdoor exposure is restricted.”
However, Dr Gupta cautioned against relying solely on what he called “magical solutions” circulating on social media. “Depending only on these remedies can delay real preventive steps like reducing exposure, improving indoor air quality, or seeking medical advice when needed. That delay can be harmful.”
The key, he stressed, “is balance, supporting children’s health through routine, nutrition and rest, while prioritising exposure reduction over unproven detox claims.”
What practical steps can parents take to protect children?
Dr Gupta emphasised that while families cannot always escape polluted cities, meaningful protection can begin at home. “We have to live here, so the focus should be on reducing exposure wherever possible, starting with our immediate surroundings,” he said. Simple measures such as using fewer personal vehicles, avoiding burning waste, and being mindful of indoor pollution sources can collectively make a difference.
On days when the air quality is poor, Dr Gupta advised limiting the entry of outdoor air into homes. “Windows should be kept closed, especially during early mornings and late evenings when pollution levels tend to be higher,” he said. Using an air purifier, if available, is most effective in sleeping areas where children spend longer hours. He also cautioned against indoor activities that worsen air quality, such as burning incense or agarbattis during high-AQI days.
Nutrition and hydration play a supportive role. “A good, balanced diet and adequate fluid intake help strengthen a child’s immunity,” Dr Gupta noted. However, he stressed that diet alone cannot offset pollution exposure. Outdoor activities should be restricted when AQI levels are very high, particularly during peak pollution hours.
For children showing respiratory symptoms, early medical attention is crucial. “If symptoms worsen, parents should consult a paediatrician promptly. Some children, especially those with asthma, may need inhalers or temporary treatment adjustments,” he said. While indoors, families should encourage light physical activity and breathing exercises. “These can help maintain lung capacity and overall fitness when outdoor play is restricted,” he added.
Dr Gupta acknowledged the challenges faced by working parents, particularly those who cannot relocate or work remotely. “Leaving the city is not an option for many families, but protection is still possible,” he said. He suggested creating a basic ‘clean room’ at home, keeping one room well-sealed and relatively free of indoor pollutants, even if a purifier is not affordable.
“In homes without purifiers, keeping doors and windows closed and maintaining cleanliness can still help,” he said, adding that some indoor plants may offer marginal benefits, though they should not be seen as a substitute for air purifiers. He also supported temporary measures such as online or hybrid schooling during severe pollution episodes to reduce children’s exposure.
For adults who must step outdoors, Dr Gupta recommended using N95 masks. “Young children may not tolerate masks well, but they can be taught good hand hygiene and basic preventive practices,” he said.
He concluded with a note of caution against panic and misinformation. “Parents should not rely on viral ‘detox’ remedies or unverified claims circulating in the community. The focus should always be on exposure reduction, early care, and evidence-based prevention, not on panic or detox therapies.”
This story is done in collaboration with First Check, which is the health journalism vertical of DataLEADS.
