Delhi Air Pollution Severely Impacts Children's Health, Education and Mental Well-Being: Report
A comprehensive new report by the Chintan Environmental Research and Action Group has uncovered alarming evidence that air pollution in Delhi-NCR is profoundly affecting children's physical health, mental well-being, education, and daily lives. The study, based on responses from 1,257 children aged 6 to 15 years across Delhi-NCR, was conducted during the peak pollution period from December 2025 to January 2026.
Widespread Health Impacts and Medical Visits
The report revealed that a staggering 86% of the children surveyed stated that air pollution harms their health. Nearly 44% of these children visited a doctor since October 2025, with many requiring multiple visits for breathing problems, persistent cough, headaches, and fatigue. The findings highlight how pollution-related illnesses are becoming a routine part of childhood in the capital region.
"Air pollution is not affecting children alone; most report that their parents, siblings and grandparents are also falling ill," the report stated. It further noted that approximately 55% of the children missed school because of pollution-related health problems, demonstrating that polluted air is quietly disrupting education as much as it damages young lungs.
Mental Health Consequences and Desire to Leave
Titled 'A Generation Under Siege', the report found that around 77% of the children said polluted air makes them anxious, irritated, fearful, or distressed. This significant mental health impact underscores the psychological burden of living in chronically polluted environments. About 46.6% of the children surveyed said they would choose to leave Delhi-NCR if given the option, indicating a deep-seated desire to escape the toxic atmosphere.
Ineffective Protective Measures
When the air turns toxic, children do attempt to protect themselves. Almost 85% used some form of protection, with 39% utilizing N95 masks or air purifiers, while 37% stayed indoors or avoided outdoor activities. However, only a small number believed these measures are fully effective. About 85% still reported symptoms such as eye irritation, cough, headaches, and tiredness even after taking precautions.
The pattern suggests that many children are compelled to continue daily routines, such as commuting to school, playing outside, or attending activities, even during severe pollution episodes. This constant exposure despite protective efforts points to systemic failures in pollution mitigation.
Urgent Policy Recommendations
The report emphasized that the findings point to an urgent need to re-center air pollution policy around children's health and lived experience. "Children's exposure must be acknowledged explicitly in planning and communication, moving beyond city-level averages to understanding what children are breathing at home, in schools and on their daily routes," the report stated.
It called for specific measurement around schools and residential areas, and improved, denser air quality monitoring across NCR. The data should be freely available and used to act on improving air quality, children's exposure, and health. The report recommended that schools must play a stronger role, not only in awareness but in protection, with enforceable standards for clean indoor air, safe outdoor activity guidelines, and access to preventive measures that do not depend on household resources.
Systemic Change Required
Speaking at the report's release event, Bharati Chaturvedi, founder and director of Chintan, said, "Air pollution demands systemic change. But this cannot be done without science-based information." Her statement underscores the critical need for evidence-driven policy interventions that prioritize children's health in the fight against air pollution.
The comprehensive study serves as a stark reminder that air pollution in Delhi-NCR is not just an environmental issue but a profound public health crisis affecting the most vulnerable population—children. The data clearly indicates that without immediate and targeted action, an entire generation faces compromised health, education, and future prospects due to preventable pollution exposure.
