Recently, some students came to Delhi from Himachal Pradesh on a school project trip. Students were excited as most were going to Delhi for the first time. 

This trip was all fun until they started falling ill, and the school staff got worried as they rushed to the hospital.

Last month, 15 students from a small town in Himachal were brought to Delhi for a 30 days school project. This trip was about exploring Delhi, its history, art, etc. The Principal booked a hostel for all the students in Delhi, and the project was about to begin in two days.

During these two days, students were excited and prepared their files to begin their tasks. They were divided into groups, and two teachers were asked to manage them.

10 Days passed, and students explored many places, museums, parks, etc., in Delhi. Students used to stay out in the open for 8 hours from morning to evening. 

On around day 15th, four students fell ill, got some allergies, and one experienced breathlessness and fatigue. Everyone got worried as symptoms were severe and persistent.

“I am worried about students. What went wrong?” one of the teachers asked another.

“I literally have no idea. We have been taking care of the students. Everyone is having proper meals at the right time. It is strange that all four students fell ill together and are experiencing the same symptoms.” the other teacher replied.

“We need to rush to the hospital and inform their parents,” the Principal told the staff.

Four students, the Principal, and school staff were rushed to the hospital, where a pediatrician consulted them.

On penning down the symptoms, the doctor wrote some tests and gave some medicines to the children.

“We must wait for the results to rule out what’s happening. Please give prescribed medications to the children, and I will call you back,” the doctor said.

They all returned, and the children took medicine and went to bed. 

The following day, six more students complained about feeling uneasy. They felt similar symptoms to other students.

The school staff got even more worried and took all six other children to the same doctor. The doctor examined them and wrote the same tests and medicines.

“The parents of these kids are back in Himachal. They are worried and want to know if this is nothing serious. Can we get the reports at the earliest?” the Principal requested the doctor.

“Sure, sir. We understand the seriousness of this issue, and I will ensure reports are out sooner.

The next day, the doctor called the principal at around 10 in the morning. The principal, along with some teachers, reached the hospital after that.

“Sir, reports are out, displaying the same results. The children have a skin allergy, and they all have a positive respiratory infection. Their lungs have been affected, and this is not a chronic illness,” the doctor informed everyone.

“What went wrong, doctor?” the principal asked.

“As you told me about the whole case, it is possible that Delhi’s environment didn’t suit these students, and it mainly affected the kid’s immune systems by altering them. A study also suggested that prolonged exposure to air pollutants alters cellular and humoral immunity in children.” the doctor replied.

Shocking, right?

According to a WHO report, 90% of the world's children inhale polluted air. This contaminated air mainly affects pregnant women and unborn children in the womb. It also affects children as they are more active than adults and breathe in more air. It increases their chances of inhaling polluted air and getting affected by it. 

Children’s lungs grow even after they are born, and when they inhale such air pollutants, it reduces their lung growth. 

“Don’t worry. There is nothing serious. Everything is in control, and these kids will get better with some medications and best when they move back to their place.” the doctor said. “However, there are tips that especially children should know and follow to stay safe from air pollution.”

1. Ask them to wear masks near an industrial area with poor AQI and heavy traffic.
2. Pay attention to their diet and meals.
3. Children should stay hydrated.
4. If you live in a city like Delhi, install an air purifier, plant indoor plants, and practice hygiene.
5. Go for regular checkups and report to a doctor if you notice any worrisome symptoms.

Everyone took a sigh of relief. They left the project in between and went back to Himachal. Kids completed their medical course and eventually felt better.

After all this, the Principal announced that once everyone feels better, they will get a new project on air pollution and take reference from the Wingify Earth website and material.

This way, the students got a new project and learned about deadly air pollution. Please share this blog in your family WhatsApp groups, and let us keep the children around us safe and secure.