Research links Delhi’s hazardous air pollution to declining brain power and poor mental health in children.
New Delhi — Prolonged exposure to toxic air in the Indian capital is now being linked to declining cognitive abilities and mental health issues among children, according to recent research by environmental and health experts.
The study reveals that children who grow up in areas with consistently high air pollution levels are showing slower brain development, reduced concentration spans, and weaker academic performance. Medical specialists warn that particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide in Delhi’s air are not only damaging lungs but also interfering with brain function and emotional well-being.
Experts from AIIMS and the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) have urged the government to take immediate steps to curb emissions from vehicles, industries, and construction sites, stressing that the health of the next generation is at serious risk.
Parents are being advised to limit outdoor activities for children, use air purifiers at home, and ensure proper nutrition to strengthen immunity. Environmental organizations have also called for stricter monitoring of air quality and the implementation of long-term clean-air policies.
The situation remains critical as Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) continues to hover in the “hazardous” category, raising growing concerns about the city’s livability and the health of its youngest residents.
