While the air pollution in Northern India, specifically in National Capital Region (NCR) are well known and are at alarming levels. The air quality condition is acute in some other metro cities too and the depleting air quality is posing an increased health hazard, especially to those with respiratory malaise. Not only the people with respiratory disorders are being affected but also as the polluted air contains low oxygen levels it can damage the sperm. Leaving aside the numbers, it deteriorates the sperm quality if you are exposed to pollution on a long-term basis, like many of us in Delhi are. Women’s reproductive health, too, is jeopardized by polluted air by adversely impacting the ovarian follicles. Another question of concern amongst people is, can an increase in the chances of falling ill due to the increasing air pollution, impact health insurance premiums? So to answer this, Amit Chabbra, Head – Health Insurance at Policybazaar.com, an online insurance marketplace says “A few health insurers already have slightly increased premium rates in Delhi-NCR and most parts of north India because the loss ratio in this region is higher compared to the rest of the country,”. This air pollution consists of PM 2.5 particles can that have the capability to reach deep into the lungs. Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5 are tiny, less than 2.5 microns in diameter. Not only the healthcare industry, but also the aviation industry is playing its part to cater and fight this adverse scenario. AirAsia India on 19th November 2019, said it is entering into a partnership with a health technology start-up called Mfine to provide pollution masks to all its passengers taking flights from Bengaluru, Delhi-NCR, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai. “The campaign will commence on 19th November 2019, and end on 29th November 2019,” it said in a statement. To tackle this, doctors are advising to wear masks, install air purifiers at homes, offices and wherever possible in automobiles as well and stay indoors as much as possible.
SOURCE: www.livemint.com ; www.news18.com
