Land acquisition for Chennai-Bengaluru expressway nearing completion

The UNICEF analysis found that “nearly 17 million babies live in areas where outdoor air pollution is at least six times higher than international limits – potentially putting their brain development at risk simply because of the air they breathe. The vast majority of these babies – over 12 million – are in South Asia. Many of these children are already among the most disadvantaged. Children growing up in urban slums are already at great risk of multiple environmental threats – from the lack of clean water and sanitation to a risk of infectious diseases. Adding high levels of air pollution compounds the risks these children face.”

Outlining the effects, the analysis added, “First, particulate matter (PM) can cause neuro-inflammation by damaging the blood-brain barrier – a thin, delicate membrane that protects the brain from toxic substances. Second, specific air pollution particles, such as magnetite, are so small that they can enter the body through the olfactory nerve and the gut. Third, several studies also show that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), a specific class of pollutants formed from fossil fuel combustion and commonly found in areas of high automobile traffic, contribute to a loss of or damage to white matter in the brain.”

Researcher Pooja Kumar of the Coastal Resource Centre (CRC), which has been working in the largely polluted region of Ennore in North Chennai, said that the residents have to combat air pollution without a proper healthcare infrastructure. “The PM2.5 is a major pollutant in Ennore, which is chequered with thermal power plants dumping fly ash and petrochemical companies. There have been major complaints about children getting cough, cold and phlegm, which lasts a long time. We interviewed a seven-year-old from Ennore, who had respiratory illness throughout the year. In addition to ensuring that the air quality and emission standards are followed by polluting industries, the government should ensure adequate health infrastructure. Since the pollution affects the babies, children and senior citizens, there is no Public Health Centre (PHC) specialising in respiratory ailments. There is no paediatrician in this PHC. Such infrastructure should be present in an area where the government has allowed industries to come up,” she said.

Pulmonologist Dr Prasanna Kumar Thomas said that not much is known about the long-term implications of air pollution in babies and future studies should focus on that. “In the short time, exposure to air pollution can result in bronchitis, asthma and even skin sensitivity. Though neurological effects are suspected, there is no solid evidence. There could be a possibility but here, I think we are in the realm of assumption. Bodies such as the World Health Organisation and others should look at the long-term implications, through continuous studies over a period of time,” concluded the expert.