Prevention of Air Pollution: How to Reduce the Risk of Toxic Air in A City?

Posted on: May 17, 2023 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Prevention of Air Pollution: How to Reduce the Risk of Toxic Air in A City?

India has been dealing with hazardous air quality for decades now, the main contributing factors being vehicular pollution, industrial emissions, agricultural activities and combustion of fossil fuels. This is not only harming the environment but also causing health issues in people of all ages. Apart from asthma, cardiovascular conditions, lung cancer and skin diseases, air pollution can also lead to neurological, gastrointestinal, liver and kidney conditions.

According to the 2022 World Air Quality Report, India ranks 8th among the most polluted countries in the world. If you reside in a town or city with poor air quality or suffer from a pre-existing condition, it becomes even more important that you take necessary measures to reduce your exposure to polluted air. Most importantly, keep a health insurance policy handy to avail yourself of the finest treatment during medical emergencies. In this article, let’s focus on how to tackle air pollution or the preventive measures you can take to reduce your exposure to toxic air.

What are the risks of air pollution?

Hazardous air quality or air pollution can cause serious health consequences, especially in the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions. According to a report by the WHO, air pollution is killing over 1.2 million Indians every year. The condition is particularly bad in New Delhi and cities across Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.

Prolonged exposure to hazardous air can lead to severe health conditions, such as asthma, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, ischaemic heart disease, and stroke. It can also lead to premature deaths among children and adults, posing higher risks to those who are immunocompromised or suffer from underlying health conditions.

Prevention of air pollution and tips to stay safe

Considering that air pollution can lead to serious health problems, it is important that you take the necessary preventive measures to stay safe and reduce the risk.

If you reside in a city with high levels of air pollution, here’s what you can do:

• Use air purifiers inside the house to remove pollutants

• Avoid stepping out when pollution levels are high

• Use a face mask outdoors

• Choose public transport to reduce vehicular emissions

• Avoid high-traffic areas

• Reduce energy use at home

• Do not burn wood or trash

• Do not smoke tobacco

Steps the government is taking to control air pollution in India

Keeping the harmful effects of air pollution in mind, the government of India is implementing measures to control air pollution levels in different cities across the country. These include:

• Having strict emission standards for vehicles

• Making Pollution Under Control (PUC) certification compulsory for vehicles

• Promoting public transport services, such as buses and Metro

• Offering options for alternative fuels like CNG and LPG

• Promoting the use of eco-friendly transportation options, such as electric and hydrogen vehicles.

Many community organisations in the country are also doing their bit to tackle the problem of air pollution. They are educating people about the ill effects of inhaling toxic air and the measures and precautions they must take to reduce exposure and illness.

Why is health insurance important, and how can it help policyholders?

Health insurance is a significant investment you must make for yourself and your loved ones.

If you get diagnosed with a respiratory condition, lung cancer, heart disease or any other pollution-related illness, you can opt for timely and quality treatment without worrying about the bills.

Here are some benefits of keeping a good health insurance policy handy:

• Free medical check-ups:

Many health insurance policies cover free medical check-ups and screenings at the time of policy renewal. Opting for these check-ups can help in the early diagnosis of a pollution-related illness and its timely treatment.

• Pre- and post-hospitalisation coverage:

A health insurance policy will cover pre and post-hospitalisation expenses, such as doctor’s consultation fees, medical tests and investigations, post-hospitalisation check-ups, and more.

• Ambulance charges:

Most health insurance policies in India cover ambulance charges during medical emergencies.

• Alternative treatments:

Health insurance may also offer AYUSH coverage or treatment through alternative medicines, i.e., Unani, Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Siddha and Homeopathy.

• Mental health issues:

A health insurance policy also covers mental health issues. Since prolonged exposure to air pollution can have a negative impact on your mental health, having health insurance can help. Toxic air can lead to mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.

• Add-on covers:

You can also take add-ons with your health insurance policy to enhance overall coverage. Common add-on covers include critical illness insurance cover, hospital cash coverage, room rent waiver, and emergency ambulance services. These add-ons can help you save a lot of money during medical emergencies.

In a nutshell

As the air quality continues to deteriorate in many towns and cities across the country, raising awareness on the prevention of air pollution is the need of the hour. It is also important that you take necessary precautions and look after your health to prevent associated conditions. Also, buy one immediately if you don’t have a health insurance policy. Investing in policies that offer the best health insurance in India provides wide coverage to policyholders and makes things easier during medical emergencies.

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

5 Ways to Take Care of Pollution Related Health Problem

Should You Take More than One Health Insurance Policy?

Know How significant it is To Upgrade Your Health Insurance Coverage

Yoga detoxification Myth Vs Fact

Yoga breathing Exercises for Healthy Lifestyle