Why do our lungs need clean air?

At this time of year, the air in Delhi and many other cities in north India often gets smoky. Why, and what can we do?

News Nibbles Edition 4 · Saturday 31 October 2026· Page 11 of the paper

The Air Quality Index scale. Delhi’s reading on 24 October is marked.

Children playing in clean air on one side, and in smoggy air on the other

Every time you breathe in, air goes into your lungs. Your lungs take out oxygen, which your body needs to live and grow. Children breathe more than 20,000 times every day!

What makes air dirty?

Smoke and dust from cars, trucks, factories, building work and burning rubbish all get into the air. Tiny bits, called pollution, can float in the air for days.

Why now?

In winter, cool air near the ground stays still, like a lid. So smoke can’t float away. Fireworks at festivals add more smoke too.

In the news

On 24 October, Delhi’s air was “moderate”, with an AQI of 191. That was better than the three days before, when it was “poor”.

Four ways to help

Check the air

Many phones and TV news show the AQI. Ask a grown-up to check.

Play smart

On a “poor” day, play inside instead of running outside.

Don’t burn

Burning leaves or plastic makes smoke. Put them in the right bin.

Walk or cycle

Fewer cars and bikes on the road means less smoke.

Balloon breathing

Put your hands on your tummy. Breathe in slowly through your nose, and feel your tummy fill up like a balloon. Count to 4. Then breathe out slowly through your mouth. Do it 5 times. How do you feel?

Nibbles asksIs there a lot of traffic or smoke near your home or school? What could make the air cleaner there?

For grown-ups: AQI bands shown are India’s national (CPCB) scale. On days of “poor” or worse air, children are advised to cut down on long or hard outdoor play.