Delhi’s toxic air drives surge in nebulizer sales, one-third for children

Air pollution is one of the greatest environmental risks to child health. The surge in air pollution has triggered a public health crisis as hospitals reporting a sharp increase in respiratory and pollution-related illnesses and the sale of air purifiers, masks and nebulizers has surged significantly.

According to a recent survey, children in Delhi suffer from critical respiratory conditions like acute bronchitis and breathing difficulties. The Report on Respiratory Health and Demand for Respiratory Aids in Delhi by ‘Warrior Moms’ highlights the dire state of children’s respiratory health as nearly one-third of nebulizer sales across the city are for children.

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The survey has shed light on the alarming prevalence of respiratory issues among Delhi’s residents, particularly children. In South Delhi, chemists reported an average of 100 daily customers, with 30 purchasing nebulizers, including 10 parents buying them for their children.

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In East Delhi, pharmacies recorded 120 daily customers, with 40 buying nebulizers, and 13 of these purchases being for children, highlighting a troubling trend in respiratory problems among children.

North Delhi faces an even graver situation, with an average of 150 customers, 50 of whom buy nebulizers, and 17 for children. In Central Delhi, 90 daily customers were recorded, 27 of whom purchased nebulizers, with 9 specifically for children.

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Bhavreen Kandhari, co-founder of Warrior Moms said that this survey is a reminder of the systemic failure to ensure clean air, a fundamental right for every child. Chemists have shared accounts of many parents (customers) unable to afford critical respiratory aids, leaving children to suffer without proper care, she said.

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“This is certainly a critical issue of equity and justice that demands immediate attention. No child should have to suffer from respiratory issues based on their family’s income. Mothers across the country are calling for decisive action to safeguard the health and future of every child, regardless of their economic background. The only way to ensure this is by addressing the root cause — cleaning up the air we breathe,” Kandhari said.

This survey sheds light on alarming trends, including a substantial rise in the demand for nebulisers, inhalers and respiratory medications, as parents struggle to protect their children from the devastating health effects of polluted air, Dr Mehak Segan, advisor at Warrior Moms & public health specialist said, adding that through the voices of families, healthcare professionals, and pharmacists, this initiative aims to highlight the urgent need for action to address air pollution as a pressing health crisis.

According to WHO, the combined effects of ambient air pollution and household air pollution are associated with 6.7 million premature deaths annually.

Experts have warned that the toxic air, containing harmful pollutants like ozone, carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide, affects not only the lungs but also multiple organs, leading to severe health issues in adults, children, and even unborn babies.

Delhi’s air quality has remained hazardous for over 20 days. On October 30, it first slipped into the ‘very poor’ category and stayed there for 15 days. Delhi’s air quality slipped back to the ‘severe’ category on Saturday morning with an AQI of 420 while the minimum temperature was recorded at 11.4 degrees Celsius.