Air pollution taking toll on children’s mental and physical health, finds survey

A new survey of 1,257 children aged 6 to 15 years across Delhi-NCR has found that rising air pollution is taking a serious toll on their physical and mental health. The study, titled Children Under Siege, was released by Delhi-based NGO Chintan at the India International Centre on Tuesday.

Conducted during the peak pollution months of December 2025 and January 2026, the survey shows that nearly 70% of children felt stressed and worried due to poor air quality. Girls reported higher levels of mental stress than boys. Around 77% said polluted air makes them feel anxious, irritated, fearful or distressed.