Toxic Air, Fragile Lungs: The Hidden Toll On India’s Children

In this Business Today special Show - What's Hot, Dr. Krishan Chug of Fortis Hospital, Gurgaon, explains how prolonged exposure to toxic air severely impacts children’s developing lungs - reducing their long-term breathing capacity and overall fitness. Even brief, repeated exposure during early years can permanently limit lung growth and efficiency, making kids more vulnerable as adults. While air pollution isn’t yet directly influencing health insurance premiums, the trend may shift soon. As chronic respiratory issues and long-term illnesses increase, urban residents may face higher medical costs and insurance rates. This episode exposes the slow, invisible damage of pollution - one that harms both health and household finances.