Mumbai: What poor AQI does to children

Certain components within PM2.5 have a stronger impact on children’s health, the study says. Representation Pic

A recent study published in the journal Nature has linked air pollution, specifically a high prevalence of particulate matter 2.5 components, to low birth weight, anaemia, and acute respiratory infections among children aged under five years. Furthermore, high levels of air pollution also contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes, including low birth weight (LBW), stillbirth, foetal mortality, premature birth, and birth defects.

During early childhood, air pollution poses a risk of hindered child growth, stunting and anaemia. On Thursday, Mumbai's Air Quality Index (AQI) was at 169, but according to the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board's (MPCB) monitoring system, within the city, air quality in Colaba and Sion remained poor with AQIs of 230 and 224, respectively. An AQI between 201 and 300 is considered poor.

"When a foreign substance is inhaled, the body produces secretions that may obstruct the airways. Children are more susceptible to infections due to this," said Dr Mukesh Agarwal, a professor at KJ Somaiya Medical College and former head of KEM's paediatric department. Dr Agarwal stated that if a child remains in a hypoxic state due to low oxygen supply, then their growth is certainly affected.

The peer-reviewed study, ‘Cumulative effect of PM2.5 components is larger than the effect of PM2.5 mass on child health', distinguishes between the high prevalence of PM2.5 and the prevalence of other components within PM2.5, such as nitrate ions, elemental carbon, and ammonium ions, which can make a significant difference. It states that nitrate ions, elemental carbon, and ammonium ions were found to have a stronger connection with hindered growth, stunting, and anaemia, compared to other types of PM2.5 particles.

Dr Anura Kurpad, a professor of physiology at St. John's Medical College, Bangalore, and one of the authors of the study, told mid-day that PM2.5 causes inflammation in the body. Simplifying the link between anaemia and pollution, he said, "When there is an increase in inflammatory molecules [cytokines], the body is in a state where it cannot absorb iron. One way to address this is by increasing fruit intake, which many cannot afford. The other is by reducing air pollution, which is the solution for some other health issues associated with it as well."