As Delhi is battling ‘hazardously’ poor air quality, a marathon named ‘Run for Children’ was organised in the national capital that could be detrimental for the lungs and heart of the runners.
Scores of children were seen running at Vinay Marg in Chanakyapuri this morning.
The marathon ‘Run for Children’ was organised by Prayas – a non-governmental organisation based in Delhi. Former Miss India, model and actor, Simran Kaur Mundi flagged off the event.
At 8:30 this morning, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) docked at 472 with particulate matter (PM) 2.5 levels at 322 and PM 10 levels at 487, according to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR).
As air pollution levels in the national capital are nearing ‘severe plus category’, schools in Noida, Ghaziabad and Delhi have been shut for two days starting today, hours after the apex court-mandated anti-pollution authority EPCA yesterday that they should be closed as pollution in the region hovered close to ’emergency’ levels.
On a closer look, children and infants are more susceptible than adults to air pollution as they are still developing and their respiratory tracks are more permeable.
Speaking about the rising menace, parents of the participants present at the event venue told media sources that high exposure to air pollution is triggering eye irritation and other health problems among their children.
“We should not have come here today. My husband was telling me not to come. Eye irritation is a common thing among children. We are facing a lot of issues due to the increase in air pollution. Pregnant women are facing problems due to spike in pollution levels,” said a parent named Monika.
“Children are falling ill due to toxic air. Some of the participants have also missed the marathon due to pollution today. One boy while running puked and is now taking rest,” said Payal, another parent.
Source: ANI
Also read: How are Delhi schools fighting pollution menace
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