Protecting Infants From Delhi's Air Pollution

Delhi's air pollution is causing a health and education crisis, with young children and infants being among the most vulnerable. The poor air quality in the city is leading to a rapid increase in respiratory cases in children, with hospitals in the city witnessing long queues of children under the age of five. As infants have developing lungs and immune systems, they are particularly susceptible to the harmful effects of air pollution. This guide will outline steps that parents can take to protect their infants from air pollution in Delhi.

Keep infants indoors during peak pollution hours, typically early mornings and late evenings

Delhi's air pollution is a crisis, and infants are among the most vulnerable to its harmful effects. Their developing lungs, respiratory systems, and immune systems mean infants are at a greater risk of health problems due to pollution.

To protect infants from air pollution in Delhi, it is recommended to keep them indoors during peak pollution hours, typically early mornings and late evenings. This is because air pollution is often at its worst during these times. By limiting outdoor exposure during these periods, parents can reduce their infant's exposure to harmful pollutants.

Infants should not be taken outside before they are at least a month old, especially during the morning hours when pollution is usually at its peak. Afternoons are generally considered a safer time for sunlight exposure.

It is also important to monitor air quality regularly and keep updated on the air quality in your specific area. This can be done by checking news sources or using smartphone apps that provide real-time air quality data. Staying informed allows parents to take protective measures as pollution levels increase.

In addition to keeping infants indoors during peak pollution hours, other measures can be taken to create a cleaner, pollution-free environment indoors. This includes ensuring doors and windows are shut during peak pollution times and using air conditioners or fans to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Use air purifiers and humidifiers to maintain cleaner air indoors

To protect infants from the hazardous levels of air pollution in Delhi, it is recommended to use air purifiers and humidifiers to maintain cleaner air indoors. Here are some detailed instructions for parents and caregivers:

Air Purifiers

It is advisable to invest in a high-quality air purifier, preferably one with a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter. Place the air purifier in the baby's nursery or the room where they spend most of their time. Ensure that the air purifier is appropriately sized for the room to ensure effective air purification. Regular maintenance is crucial, so follow the manufacturer's guidelines for servicing and filter replacements.

Humidifiers

Using a humidifier alongside an air purifier is essential, as air purifiers can dry out the air, leading to potential nasal congestion and discomfort for the infant. The humidifier will help maintain optimal moisture levels in the air, preventing dryness and supporting the infant's respiratory health.

Additional Considerations

• Proper Placement: Ensure that the air purifier and humidifier are placed in a safe and accessible location, away from the baby's immediate reach.
• Regular Cleaning: Clean the devices according to the manufacturer's instructions to prevent the growth of mould or bacteria, which could be detrimental to the baby's health.
• Air Quality Monitoring: Install an Air Quality Index (AQI) monitoring app or use reliable sources to stay updated on real-time pollution levels. This will help you make informed decisions about outdoor activities and reinforce the importance of indoor air purification.
• Indoor Air Circulation: Keep doors and windows shut during peak pollution hours to prevent polluted outdoor air from entering the home. If using an air conditioner, set it to 'inner circulation' mode, and consider keeping fans on a low setting to avoid excessive air movement.
• Avoid Indoor Pollutants: Refrain from activities that increase indoor pollution, such as burning incense or candles. Also, avoid dusting or cleaning the room while the baby is present, and opt for organic mosquito repellents instead of chemical sprays.
• Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding provides infants with essential antibodies and natural immunity. It also helps keep them well-hydrated, which is crucial for flushing out toxins.

By following these guidelines, parents and caregivers can take proactive steps to maintain cleaner air indoors and protect infants from the harmful effects of air pollution in Delhi.

Keep infants well-hydrated to help their bodies flush out toxins

Delhi's air pollution poses a severe threat to the health of infants, who are more vulnerable to its harmful effects than adults. Their developing lungs, respiratory systems, and immune systems make them more susceptible to pollutants, with potential short and long-term health consequences.

One crucial way to protect infants from air pollution in Delhi is to keep them well-hydrated. Water plays a vital role in flushing out toxins and waste products from the body, which is essential for maintaining good health. Here are some reasons why keeping infants well-hydrated helps their bodies flush out toxins:

• Kidney Function: Water is essential for proper kidney function. The kidneys filter waste products and toxins from the blood, which are then eliminated through urine. Water helps dilute these waste products and toxins, making them easier for the kidneys to filter out. Without adequate hydration, the kidneys cannot function optimally, leading to a potential buildup of toxins.
• Liver Function: Water is also necessary for the liver to function effectively. The liver detoxifies the body by neutralizing toxins and waste products. It also breaks down fats and converts them into energy. Adequate hydration ensures the liver can process and eliminate toxins efficiently.
• Sweat: Water helps the body eliminate toxins through sweating. The sweat glands release water onto the skin's surface, which then evaporates, cooling the body. However, sweat also contains toxins and waste products that are excreted. Insufficient water intake reduces the body's ability to sweat effectively, leading to a potential accumulation of toxins.
• Bowel Regularity: Water intake is crucial for maintaining bowel regularity. Dehydration can cause constipation and other digestive issues, hindering the body's ability to eliminate waste and toxins efficiently.
• Urine Excretion: Water aids in flushing out toxins through urine excretion. The body relies on the liver to convert toxins into water-soluble substances that can be excreted in urine, and adequate hydration supports this process.
• Breastfeeding: For breastfeeding infants, regular nursing helps keep them well-hydrated. Breast milk provides antibodies and natural immunity, enhancing their ability to combat toxins.

In addition to hydration, it is essential to minimize infants' exposure to polluted air by limiting outdoor activities during peak pollution hours, sealing the home by closing windows and doors, using air purifiers, and monitoring air quality indexes (AQI) to plan outdoor trips during relatively better air quality periods.

Breastfeed infants to provide them with antibodies and natural immunity

Delhi's air pollution poses a severe threat to the health of infants and young children, who are more vulnerable to its harmful effects than adults. Their developing lungs, respiratory systems, and immune systems make them particularly susceptible to the fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and pollutants present in the city's air.

Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to protect and enhance your baby's health in Delhi's polluted environment. Breast milk is specifically designed to meet the nutritional needs of infants, providing all the necessary nutrients in the right amounts, and it is easily digestible. More importantly, it is a vital source of immune protection for infants, offering both passive and likely long-lasting active immunity.

Breast milk contains antibodies, specifically IgA, which coats the baby's oral mucosa, nasal cavity, Eustachian tubes, and GI tract. This coating prevents bacteria and viruses from entering the baby's system, instead binding them in the GI tract, where they are digested and excreted. IgA is not found in infant formulas and is unique to each mother-baby pair, as it is customised to protect against the specific pathogens present in their shared environment.

Breastfeeding also helps to keep infants hydrated, which is crucial in Delhi's polluted environment as it helps their bodies flush out toxins. Additionally, studies have shown that breastfed babies tend to experience milder symptoms with common ailments such as colds and flu.

Breastfeeding can provide protection against a range of infections, including acute and prolonged diarrhoea, respiratory tract infections, otitis media, urinary tract infections, neonatal septicemia, and necrotizing enterocolitis. There is also evidence that breastfeeding can offer enhanced protection even years after lactation, against issues such as diarrhoea, respiratory tract infections, and wheezing illness.

Overall, breastfeeding is a powerful tool for protecting infants in Delhi from the harmful effects of air pollution, providing them with a natural source of antibodies and boosting their immunity.

Consult a paediatrician for additional preventive measures such as vaccinations

While there are many steps you can take to protect your infant from air pollution in Delhi, consulting a paediatrician for additional preventive measures is always a good idea. They can advise you on the best course of action to protect your child's health, and may recommend the following:

Vaccinations

Vaccinations can help protect your child from a range of diseases and infections, some of which may be more common or severe due to air pollution. For example, the flu vaccine can help to reduce the dangers of air pollution by reducing the spread and severity of influenza. This is especially important in highly polluted areas, as the negative impact of pollution on flu hospitalizations can be mitigated by vaccination.

Supplements

Paediatricians may also suggest supplements to support your child's respiratory health, especially if pollution levels remain severe for extended periods.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is one of the best ways to protect your baby's health, as they receive your antibodies and natural immunity. Breastfed babies generally have milder symptoms when it comes to common ailments such as colds and flu, and breastfeeding also helps to keep your baby well-hydrated, which aids their body in flushing out toxins.

Air Purifiers and Humidifiers

Using an air purifier with a HEPA filter can help to maintain cleaner air in your baby's nursery, but it may dry out the air. Using a humidifier at the same time is recommended by Dr Charu Kalra, who notes that dry air can cause nasal blockages and excessive crying in newborns.

Limit Outdoor Exposure

During peak pollution hours, typically early mornings and late evenings, it is best to keep your baby indoors. If you do need to go outside, using an anti-pollution mask can help to protect your baby from harmful pollutants. Basic cotton or fabric masks are largely ineffective, but N95 masks are highly effective in reducing the risk of infection and exposure to harmful particles.

Frequently asked questions