Care Health Insurance Issues Public Advisory On HEPA Filter Use Amid Rising Respiratory Illnesses And Worsening Air Quality Conditions

Demonstrating its continued commitment to public health and preventive care, Care Health Insurance today issued an urgent advisory encouraging households and workplaces to adopt HEPA-certified air filtration in response to escalating respiratory illnesses due to the increasing pollution.

In recent weeks, multiple regions have reported a sharp surge in asthma flare-ups, respiratory infections and pollution-related medical emergencies. This trend has been intensified by the high pollution levels.

According to recent national and global air quality assessments:

● Air pollution remains a leading contributor to premature mortality in India, accounting for millions of pollution-linked illnesses annually, including asthma, COPD and cardiovascular complications.

● India’s PM2.5 concentrations frequently rank among the highest globally, exposing populations to hazardous fine particles that penetrate deep into the lungs.

● Asthma prevalence continues to be a public health concern, with tens of millions of individuals living with chronic symptoms that worsen during pollution spikes.

Care Health Insurance’s Advisory includes the following recommended measures:

Use HEPA-certified air purifiers in indoor spaces to reduce exposure to particulate matter and maintain them with timely filter replacement.

Keep windows and doors closed during severe pollution hours and ventilate only when air quality improves.

Limit outdoor activity and strenuous exercise during peak pollution times. Choose indoor exercise and avoid running, jogging or cycling outdoors in polluted air.

Use N95 or equivalent masks when stepping outdoors to reduce inhalation of harmful particles, and use lubricating eye drops if irritation occurs (on advise by a doctor).

For people with Asthma, follow prescribed medical guidance, keep inhalers and essential medication accessible, stay hydrated to reduce airway irritation, and maintain a balanced, antioxidant-rich diet to support respiratory health.

Minimise exposure to indoor pollutants by avoiding incense, candles and other smoke-generating elements during this period.

Speaking on the advisory, Manish Dodeja, Chief Operating Officer, Care Health Insurance, said:

“We are witnessing an unprecedented convergence of various factors impacting our air quality. These have a direct impact on our respiratory health. As a responsible health partner to millions, Care Health Insurance is committed to guiding our policyholders with timely, preventive measures. The use of HEPA filtration is a simple yet highly effective step individuals can take to safeguard their indoor air quality.”

Care Health Insurance continues to monitor environmental health indicators closely and remains committed to issuing timely guidance that supports the well-being of its customers and the broader community.

About Care Health Insurance

Care Health Insurance is a specialized health insurer offering products in the retail segment for Health Insurance, Top-up Coverage, Personal Accident, Maternity, International Travel Insurance and Critical Illness along with Group Health Insurance and Group Personal Accident Insurance for Corporates, Micro Insurance Products for the Rural Market and a Comprehensive Set of Wellness Services. With its operating philosophy being based on the principal tenet of ‘consumer-centricity’, the company has consistently invested in the effective application of technology to deliver excellence in customer servicing, product innovation and value-for-money services.

Care Health Insurance was conferred the ‘Overall Achievement Award’ (SAHI category) at the ASSOCHAM 16th Global Insurance Summit & Awards; ‘Smart Insurer’ and ‘Sales Champion’ awards in Health Insurance category at the 11th ET Now Insurance Summit & Awards 2024; ‘Claims Service Leader for the Year’ & ‘Best Health Insurance Company in Rural Sector’ awards at the India Insurance Summit & Awards 2024, and ‘Best Health Insurance Plan – Care Plus’ at the Global Financial Planner’s Summit 2024. The company was also awarded ‘Best Health Insurance Product’ and ‘Best Health Insurance Agents’ at the Insurance Alerts Awards, 2021 and ‘Best Health Insurance Product Award’ at FICCI Healthcare Excellence Awards 2019.