Air pollution is the second largest global risk factor for death amongst children, after malnutrition. Populations from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are exposed to up to 4 times higher levels of ambient fine particles (PM2.5) (particulate air pollution) than in high-income countries. There is a scarcity of studies that have considered what policymakers in LMICs consider are the moral issues that should underlie any action to protect children from exposure to particulate air pollution. The purpose of this study was to better understand what and how policymakers from Nepal and Indonesia, LMICs with frequently high levels of particulate air pollution, framed their moral obligations about children and air pollution. Thirteen semi-structured interviews were undertaken in both Nepal and Indonesia (N=26) with relevant policymakers and were thematically analysed. Whilst all policymakers expressed the view that children had a special moral status, some argued that, in the context of a hazard that creates a risk to everyone, children should not be prioritised for specific messaging or interventions. Two issues arose in the context of the management of limited resources. The first saw debate about whether hazard reduction (improving air quality) or protective interventions to reduce risks should be prioritised or whether both can and should be done. The second was whether strategies for protective management of this particular risk to child health was more pressing than other environmental, health or social risks and whether resources where better employed to address more pressing risks.