New Delhi, November 12: Children are the most vulnerable to India’s worsening air pollution crisis, with 43% of pollution-linked health insurance claims in 2025 coming from the 0–10 age group, according to a recent report. The data highlights a worrying surge in post-Diwali respiratory illnesses, with claims rising by up to 9% this year.
Health experts warn that exposure to toxic air significantly aggravates pneumonia, a leading cause of child mortality, coinciding with World Pneumonia Day. Pediatricians note that children’s developing lungs make them particularly susceptible to respiratory infections, asthma, and long-term health consequences from particulate matter and smog.
Insurance data suggests that urban hotspots with heavy post-festival pollution are seeing the highest spike in claims, underscoring the link between air quality and healthcare demand. Parents and caregivers are advised to monitor air conditions, limit outdoor activity during smog episodes, and ensure timely vaccinations for respiratory illnesses.
Public health advocates are calling for stronger enforcement of pollution control measures, including dust regulation, firecracker restrictions, and industrial emissions monitoring, to mitigate seasonal surges in pediatric health risks.
As India continues to grapple with toxic air episodes each winter, reports like these emphasize the urgent need for policy intervention, community awareness, and protective measures to shield the most vulnerable—its children—from pollution-induced health crises.
