How Air Pollution Is Ruining Your Health

Posted on: Mar 1, 2024 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

How Air Pollution Is Ruining Your Health

Air pollution is becoming a global concern with every passing day. While the effects of air pollution aren’t evident, it can cause long-term damage to our health in various ways. In India, the air quality index shows that major cities are struggling with poor air quality, raising an alarm among the public and the health authorities.

Last year, India’s capital, Delhi, was forced to close schools, suspend outdoor activities, and restrict road movement to curb the problem. However, these measures seemed very minute in the face of this growing menace. The AQI, or air quality index of Delhi, stood at 440 on a Monday morning in December 2023, followed by Mumbai at 229 and Pune at 169.

What is AQI, and how is it measured?

AQI, or the air quality index, is the yardstick used to measure the air quality around us, ranging from 0 to 500, where the higher the score, the poorer the air quality of that place. The AQI score is a number the concerned government bodies use to make us aware of the air quality. This number is derived by measuring the air quality of a place through air quality monitors or sensors that detect specific pollutants in the air. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, India, eight significant pollutants account for AQI calculation, viz. particulate matter (PM 10 and PM 2.5), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), ammonia (NH3), and lead (Pb). To calculate AQI, data for a minimum of three pollutants must be present, of which one should be either PM10 or PM2.5. The AQI of a place might have different concentration of different pollutants and have an impact on one’s health accordingly.

The following table will give you an idea of how AQI corresponds to the air quality.

AQI score	Air Quality
0-50	Good
51-100	Satisfactory
101-200	Moderate
201-300	Poor
301-400	Very poor
401-500	Severe

The table above indicates how a higher AQI indicates severe air pollution of the area, city or state it is representative off.

The Damaging Effects Of Air Pollution On Our Health

A higher AQI score in several cities across the country indicates a higher concentration of particulate matter 2.5 and 10 that can severely damage one’s health. Particulate matter is the term for particles found in the air, including dust, dirt, soot, smoke, and liquid droplets. When breathed in, these particles can severely damage our health. We are not making mere statements over here; there are studies that have concluded how air pollutants have been affecting our health collectively and leading to long-term implications.

Here are some facts that might shock you:

1. Air Pollution Puts Children’s Health At Risk

According to a 2018 report by the World Health Organisation (WHO), breathing toxic air kills about 600,000 children under the age of 15 years every year. However, this number includes both indoor and outdoor air pollution. The data reflects that every day, about 93 per cent of children under the age of 15, 1.8 billion youngsters, and 630 million children under the age of five breathe dangerously polluted air full of toxins. These toxins include sulphate and black carbon that go deep into the lungs, causing infections and conditions like asthma in early childhood.

Remember, it is not just children, these pollutants don’t spare the adult population as well. This is why we see a rise in respiratory diseases and breathing problems, even among adults. While tackling air pollution should be a priority of the government, with some active and rational steps taken immediately, ensure that you have health insurance for yourself and your loved ones that can cover your medical expenses in case of hospitalisation due to such complications as mentioned above.

2. Air Pollution Increases The Risk Of Premature Deaths, Cancers And Mental Illness

In 2017, the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) released a report stating that about 30 percent of all premature deaths in India are caused due to air pollution. The researcher delved deep to find how air pollution affects our internal systems and noted a crucial link between environmental health, air pollution and mental health. Experts also suspected that in the year 2020, for most cancer cases, the primary trigger could be air pollution along with tobacco, alcohol and diet changes. According to the National Institutes of Health (2022), in India, one in nine people is likely to develop cancer in their lifetime, with lung and breast cancer being the sites of infection in males and females, respectively. These are some of the consequences of side-effects of air pollution.

Cancer can be devastating news for both the patient and the family. Sometimes, one’s entire savings get dried up while getting the proper treatment and during recovery. The financial vacuum created can make life difficult even after the treatment. Having critical illness insurance can be of help during such a crisis. The amount can help cover expenses beyond hospitalisation, medicines and more.

3. Air Pollution Has An Impact On One’s Life Expectancy

According to the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC) India is currently the world’s second most polluted country with severe particulate pollution. A 2018 study pointed out that this is why an average Indian’s life expectancy is curtailed by four years as opposed to what it would be if WHO air quality guidelines were followed. Indian states with severe particulate pollution are Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, and the National Capital Delhi. Experts worry that the life expectancy of individuals in these states can be curtailed by six years on average.

Another independent study by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) in 2019 revealed that outdoor and household air pollution together cause life expectancy in India to decrease by 2.6 years.

4. Air Pollution Increases Risk Of Diabetes

Did you know that air pollution has been associated with an increased risk of diabetes globally? While diabetes is considered a lifestyle disease, pollution also plays a crucial role, points out studies. A study done by Washington University in USA, in 2016 found that one out of seven new cases of diabetes, were caused due to air pollution.

5. Air Pollution Impacts Women’s Health & Fertility

There are references by researchers in various studies that indicate exposure to air pollution among teen girls can be associated with irregular menstrual cycles, metabolic syndrome and polycystic ovary syndrome. This is mainly because the particulate matter in the air can cause hormonal irregularities, leading to such issues and affecting fertility. However, more research needs to be done to establish a concrete link between air pollution and its impact on women’s health.

The Take Home Message

These facts and figures mentioned above make it evident that air pollution stands to be a terrible threat to humankind. While some aggressive measures need to be taken by the government to curb this menace, people can also do their bit to reduce the ill effects of air pollution. In the states that are heavily affected by air pollution, the government has already asked people to wear masks and stay indoors whenever possible. Other than that, reducing toxic emissions and adopting a green way of living can do us a great deal of good. While these steps are viable, comprehensive health insurance can also help in case of any hospitalisation due to health problems. Insurance coverage can keep your finances intact and help you heal without considering expenses and medical costs.

Disclaimer The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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