Why India’s Air Pollution is a Serious Problem

Posted on: Feb 14, 2025 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Why India’s Air Pollution is a Serious Problem

The notorious air quality of India only deteriorates during winter, making it toxic. Air pollution is one of the biggest contributors to health issues and, to a large extent, lung cancer. The presence of large quantities of PM2.5 is only making matters worse. Thus, air pollution is something that everyone in the country should be worried about. Here is all that you need to know and why health insurance is the need of the hour.

Air Pollution in India

There are a number of reasons that contribute to air pollution in India. These include ever-increasing urbanisation, industrialisation in various sectors and man-made activities. As per some estimates, about 50% of the global population will reside in urban areas by 2030. And about 80% of the population living in urban areas is exposed to higher levels of pollution, exceeding the prescribed limits, as per the World Health Organisation.

According to WHO, 10 of the 20 most polluted cities in the world, as far as PM2.5 particles are concerned, are in India and India ranks as the 5th most polluted country in the world. Indian cities on average exceed the WHO threshold even by 500% at times. While there are several pollutants in the air, such as carbon monoxide, ozone, and nitrogen oxide, it’s PM2.5 that is the most harmful. PM2.5 refers to particles that are smaller than 2.5 microns and PM10 refers to particles whose diameter is 10 microns.

PM2.5 particles are generated by flames in the open and exhaust from diesel engines. The PM2.5 particles tend to linger in the air for longer periods and get even deeper into the lungs than PM10. Higher levels of PM2.5 particles pose greater health hazards in the form of lung cancer.

What Recent Studies Say About the Damaging Effects of Air Pollution?

Recent studies have shown that the effects of air pollution can be multifaceted and much more alarming than we consider them to be. Here are some major effects that air pollution poses to humans:

1. Mental Health

New studies are proving that air pollution can have a considerable impact on mental health as well. Extended exposure to air pollution has shown an increased risk of anxiety, depression, and other disorders. The chemical processes followed by the human brain are impacted by pollutants which can lead to cognitive impairments and changing moods. This can be particularly hazardous for children and the elderly.

2. Cardiovascular and Respiratory Diseases

Exposure to particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide for longer durations are directly linked to an array of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Air pollution is known to aggravate medical conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and can even lead to heart attacks and strokes.

3. Chronic Conditions

Studies have shown that air pollution can contribute to diabetes as well. PM2.5 exposure can lead to higher blood glucose levels and resistance to insulin, both of which cause type 2 diabetes. Higher pollution levels also contribute to increased hospital admissions and impact quality of life.

4. Economic and Social Impact

One underlined facet of excessive pollution is its impact on the economy. Air pollution can lead to higher healthcare expenses and lack of productivity due to illness as well as premature mortality. Investing in measures that improve air quality will cost far less compared to the impact of pollution.

5. Vulnerable Section

Certain human populations are more susceptible and vulnerable to the impacts of pollution. These include individuals who already have pre-existing health conditions, children, and the elderly. Prenatal exposure to air pollution can also have several long-term impacts on children such as poor pregnancy outcomes and gestational diabetes.

What Steps Are Government Taking?

The Indian government has started several measures to counter the severe impact of pollution in different areas of the country particularly in Delhi and NCR. Here are some measures:

1. GRAP

A Graded Response Action Plan was introduced to tackle the worsening air quality situation in Delhi and NCR. The measures are based on the Air Quality Index (AQI). This includes restrictions on construction, promotion of remote working during heavy bouts of pollution, and banning diesel engines.

2. NCAP

The National Clean Air Programme was launched in 2019 with the intent of reducing air pollution levels by 20-30% in 102 cities by the year 2024. The program focuses on improving air quality through various measures and monitoring mechanisms.

3. Regulations

The government has been much more stringent on emissions from various sectors concerning PM2.5 and NO2 levels. The regulations apply to vehicles, various industries, and construction activities.

4. Public Awareness

The government is also trying several public awareness programs which include initiatives such as the SAMEER app that provides real-time air quality data for areas along with a platform for complaints about air quality issues.

The Health Crisis We Are Facing Because Of Air Pollution

• As already discussed above, air pollution has grave impacts on individuals' health. The presence of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) along with other pollutants such as PM10, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, sulphur dioxide have detrimental health impacts.

• These pollutants are known to have direct impacts on headaches, anxiety, central nervous systems; they also affect cardiovascular health as well as blood circulation impacting spleen and liver functions.

• Air pollution can cause irritation in throat, eyes, nose; it leads to breathing problems; it adds to reduced functioning of lungs; inflammation; other infections.

• In such dire situations opting for health insurance becomes more necessary than ever before since air pollution can result in higher medical expenses.

• Safeguarding yourself and your family with family health insurance can help you prepare better.

• The presence of family health insurance will ensure that hospitalisation expenses; diagnostic tests; medications related to health ailments due to pollution are taken care of.

• With OPD cover you; your loved ones can receive treatment for respiratory issues such as cough; sneezing; chest infection.

Conclusion

Air pollution is a grave concern with a multitude of issues associated with it beyond just economic impact; it significantly affects individuals' health too.

A combination effort from central agencies; government; individuals can help reduce pollution levels effectively.

For now; taking precautions remains one smart way to deal with this menace—having a good health insurance plan for yourself; your loved ones can be a great addition for peace of mind amidst these challenges.

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

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