Air pollution making Delhi children asthmatic: Survey

NEW DELHI: With the continuous exposure to air pollution, the number of children suffering from chronic bronchial asthma is on rise in the national capital, reveals a survey.

"We examined children of age group 7-15 years in nine industrial and residential pockets of Delhi. Among total of 3,456 children examined, 7.7 per cent were diagnosed having asthma, which was highest in industrial areas, 11.8 per cent," says Dr Raj Kumar of Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, who was associated with the project.

The survey was conducted in Shahdara, Sahibabad, Nizamuddin, Siri Fort, Ashoka Vihar and Janakpuri. Also two rural pockets -- Dhallupura and Jagatpur -- were surveyed.

T                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      today indoor air pollution level is becoming a matter of concern in big metros like Delhi, which is triggering asthmatic symptoms among the children residing in those areas," Dr Kumar says.

The 4-year-long study was carried out jointly by the representatives of Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute and the Geology Department of Delhi University.

In the last few years, children's health has also deteriorated due to exposure of air pollutants in indoor environments ie indoor air pollution, the survey points out.

"Generally people express their concern about outdoor air pollution caused by industrial emissions, but nobody thinks that it can affect children's health inside the home as well," he adds.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder, with the symptoms of cough, common cold, sneezing and feeling of heaviness on chest, besides breathing problems, doctors say.

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