If I told you that you were making your child smoke 8 to 12 cigarettes a day, you would probably be outraged. “Tania, what are you saying? That’s impossible!” you’d say.
Unfortunately, for families living in Delhi NCR, this is our harsh reality. Recent studies suggest that breathing the current air in our city is equivalent to smoking nearly a dozen cigarettes daily.
As a Child and Adolescent Psychologist, I meet many parents who are paralyzed by this information. Experts suggest leaving the city for 6-8 weeks, but for most of us with jobs, schools, and exams approaching, that simply isn’t a practical option.
So, if we can’t leave, how do we survive? We need to clear the air—literally and metaphorically—about how to protect our children.
Why Children Are More Vulnerable
There is a common misconception that children are resilient and their “growing immunity” will handle it. The truth is the opposite. Because children are physically smaller and have lower body weight, they actually inhale more polluted air relative to their size than adults do. They are not tougher; they are more at risk.
Here are three practical, non-negotiable steps to take right now:
1. Mask Up Correctly (Size Matters) We know we need to limit outdoor exposure, but when stepping out is unavoidable, an N95 mask is essential. However, an adult mask on a child is often useless because of the gaps. Did you know there are N95 masks designed specifically for children? They are sized for smaller faces to ensure a proper seal and are generally more comfortable for kids to wear.
2. Don’t Ignore “Indoor” Pollution Many parents think, “Pollution is outside, so inside my house, I am safe.” This is a dangerous myth. Indoor pollution—from kitchen smoke, mold, dust, and appliances—contributes significantly to poor air quality.
- The Solution: Use an air purifier whenever you are indoors. Specifically, look for HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters, as they are the gold standard for filtering out fine pollutants.
3. Hygiene and Hydration Pollutants don’t just stay in the air; they stick to surfaces and skin.
- Wash Hands: Make sure your child washes their hands immediately after coming home to wash away pollutants they’ve carried in.
- Hydrate & Eat Well: A hydrated body with a healthy diet is better equipped to fight off the inflammation caused by pollution.
We cannot change the air outside overnight, but we can change how we respond to it. Small, consistent steps can make a massive difference in your child’s long-term health.
Watch my full video on this topic here: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/kBbuxxuK8tg
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