- A pulmonology specialist warns that long-term exposure to polluted air during childhood may lead to health problems that appear later in adulthood.
- Pollutants such as PM2.5 and nitrogen dioxide can reach the lungs and bloodstream, driving inflammation and oxidative stress.
- Parents are advised to monitor air quality, improve indoor ventilation, and limit outdoor activities during peak pollution episodes, while broader solutions require emissions cuts and more green space.
Continuous exposure to air pollution during childhood can affect a person’s health later in adulthood, a medical expert has warned.
Pulmonology specialist Dr. A.S. Sandhya of Kailash Hospital & Neuro Institute in India said children are particularly vulnerable to air pollution because their lungs and immune systems are still developing.
“They also breathe faster than adults, which results in a greater intake of harmful pollutants per kilogram of body weight,” she said, as quoted by Hindustan Times on Sunday (Jan. 25).
Air quality can deteriorate due to pollutants such as fine particulate matter (PM2.5PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide and toxic compounds from vehicle emissions, industrial activity and the burning of fossil fuels.
These microscopic particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, triggering chronic inflammation and oxidative stress.
Dr. Sandhya said sustained exposure to air pollutants may cause DNA damage and disrupt normal cell growth, potentially increasing the risk of cancer later in life.
In addition, she noted that research indicates children raised in heavily polluted environments often show signs of reduced lung capacity, respiratory infections and weakened immunity.
“Although these effects may appear mild or temporary in the early years, the cumulative impact can be significant. Long-term exposure during critical growth phases increases vulnerability to chronic diseases that may emerge decades later,” she explained.
To reduce long-term health risks, Dr. Sandhya advised parents and caregivers to monitor the air quality index and limit children’s outdoor activities during periods of high pollution.
She also emphasized the importance of maintaining good indoor ventilation and keeping homes smoke-free, including from cigarette smoke.
During peak pollution episodes, she added, properly fitted masks can provide additional protection for children.
She further recommended a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables to help counter oxidative stress caused by pollutants, along with routine health checks to detect respiratory problems early.
On a broader scale, Dr. Sandhya said protecting children from air pollution requires policies to cut emissions, promote clean energy and expand green open spaces to support better air quality.
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