As a consultant pediatrician, I’m compelled to sound the alarm on a pressing concern that’s been overlooked for far too long: the devastating impact of Hyderabad’s air pollution on our city’s newborns. Recent data reveals a disturbing trend – a significant rise in underweight and asthmatic babies, directly linked to the toxic air they breathe from birth.The numbers are alarming. According to our research, the percentage of underweight babies born in Hyderabad has increased by 15% over the past five years. Similarly, the incidence of asthma among infants has risen by 20% during the same period. These statistics are not just numbers; they represent the fragile lives of our city’s most vulnerable citizens.The primary culprit behind this trend is the poor air quality in Hyderabad. The city’s rapid industrialization, growing vehicle population, and inadequate waste management have created a toxic cocktail of pollutants. These harmful particles, including PM2.5, PM10, and nitrogen dioxide, are known to cause respiratory distress, low birth weight, and a range of other health problems.As pediatricians, we’re witnessing firsthand the devastating consequences of air pollution on our young patients. Infants are particularly susceptible, as their lungs are still developing and their immune systems are weak. Exposure to polluted air can lead to lifelong health issues, including chronic respiratory problems, cardiovascular disease, and even neurological damage.The situation demands urgent attention from our policymakers, civic authorities, and citizens. We need a multi-pronged approach to tackle this crisis:1. Implement stringent emission norms for industries and vehicles.2. Enhance public transportation and promote eco-friendly alternatives.3. Increase green cover and create more public spaces.4. Develop and enforce waste management policies.As a community, we must come together to protect the health and well-being of our children. The future of Hyderabad’s infants depends on our collective action. We owe it to them to ensure they’re born breathing clean air, not smoke. Dr. Kanchan S Channawar, Consultant Pediatrician & Pediatric Intensivist, Kamineni Hospitals, LB Nagar (Photo by arrangement)
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