Air pollution has reached a new level in Northern China. The dense smog, that has encapsulated the cities and towns, is proving to be dangerous for the health of children. Only a year ago Beijing used to look like any other normal, thriving city but now things have changed due to the sudden increase in smog density. In the past year air pollution has increased by 30%-40% above the general safety levels. The growing pollution has put the parents into a great dilemma as they are unable to understand how they can keep their children safe. Children, who have been suffering from closed nose and cough since last year, now have to get their sinus cleaned with brine water every night to breathe even.
Worried parents have to make their kids wear masks before going out of the house. The growing fear among parents regarding the health of their kids has altered the lifestyle these children used to enjoy. It is almost ruining their childhood. The parents have started keeping the children inside the houses, most of the times. The schools have stopped their field activities and all outdoor activities are put on a halt. Parents, who can afford to spend huge sums on the education of their children, have put their kids in schools which have air filtration system. Gone are the days of children’s park as some schools are spending in making new domes where children will be able to breathe in comfort and safety.
In Beijing more than a thousand toddlers and kids have been admitted in nursing homes for breathing treatment. Though the older kids are learning to cope with the breathing filters, that they have to wear each time they go out, the babies and younger kids are having a difficult time in adjusting with them. In January, this year, the pollution levels rose to a threatening level and made a new world record. The pollution monitoring center had asked citizens to stay inside their home at that time. The smog is being compared with volcanic fumes. Even grownups are suffering from convulsive fits of cough. Parents have also started planning a move to another country seriously.
Recently, in the month of March, 16000 pigs were found dead in a river that is the main source of water in Shanghai. The National People’s Congress spokesperson, Fu Ying has acknowledged that she too is scared of the fog and checks it every morning the first thing. She and her daughter both use filtration masks at home. The Communist Party in China has lost the faith of the populace as they have not been able to ensure the health and well being of the children.
