Protecting Child Health From Air Pollution in India

Abstract

Exposure to criteria pollutants such as fine particulate matter less than 2.5 µm in diameter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone (O3) results in various health issues, encompassing morbidity and mortality related to cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, and many other ailments [1,2]. Children under five years of age (U5) are among the most vulnerable groups being impacted by exposure to air pollution due to their developing bodies and immature immune systems [3,4]. In India, the longstanding challenge of poor air quality has had alarming impacts on the health of children [3,5,6]. Despite the implementation of multiple policies intended to mitigate air pollutant emissions, the country grapples with persistently high levels of air pollution. Over the past two decades, i.e., between 2000 and 2018, the population-weighted exposure to ambient PM2.5 in India has risen significantly, after which it seems to show a sign of stabilization [7]. This pattern sharply contrasts with the global pattern of improving air quality [8]. Concurrently, NO2 exposure within India surged by 17% during this timeframe, in contrast to the 10% global decrease. These decreasing global trends are largely attributed to successful policy implementations in the global West and East Asia, contributing to improvements in global air quality