Delhi Chokes Again At 800+ AQI: Why Children Are Most At Risk and What Parents Can Do To Protect Them

Delhi’s

air has plunged back into the hazardous range, crossing 800 on the AQI scale, levels at which even healthy adults experience breathing discomfort. For children, the effects are far more serious. Their lungs are still developing, their breathing rate is faster, and they spend more time outdoors or commuting to school. Each spike in pollution exposes them to microscopic particulate matter that penetrates deeper into their airways, triggering lasting respiratory, cognitive, and immunity-related impacts. As the smog thickens, paediatricians across the city are reporting a rise in breathlessness, persistent cough, eye irritation, fatigue, and worsening asthma episodes among young children.

Why Children Are More Vulnerable

When it comes to children, the effects of hazardous AQI become all the more severe. Children inhale more air per kilogram of body weight in comparison to adults. This means that they absorb a higher dose of pollutants each minute. Their small bodies have smaller airways and they get inflamed faster, and when high levels of PM2.5 reach the bloodstream, it can end up affecting concentration, energy levels and deteriorate sleep quality also. Experts have warned that repeated exposure to such high levels of pollution during growth years may contribute to long-term respiratory issues. For children who also have asthma or allergies, just a few minutes outdoors on a severe AQI day can trigger flare-ups that might also require nebulisation or urgent medical care. Schools running buses during peak smog hours further add to the risk as pollutants also accumulate within enclosed spaces.

What Parents Can Do Immediately

While the city waits for conditions to improve, parents can take practical steps to reduce their child’s exposure. Limiting outdoor time during mornings and late evenings, the most polluted windows, is essential. If stepping out is unavoidable, a well-fitted N95 mask is the safest choice for older children; for younger ones, cutting down exposure time is more effective than relying on masks that may not seal properly. Keeping windows closed during peak smog hours, using air purifiers where possible, and opting for indoor play can significantly bring down pollutant load.Nutrition also plays a vital role. Foods rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, omega-3 fats, and hydration help the body counter the inflammatory effects of toxic air. Parents should also monitor persistent symptoms, night coughing, chest tightness, irritated eyes, or unusual tiredness, and consult a paediatrician early rather than waiting for symptoms to escalate.Until the air clears, the focus must be on protecting developing lungs. Pollution spikes may be seasonal, but the health effects accumulate silently. With sensible precautions and timely care, parents can buffer children from the worst of Delhi’s recurring air crisis.