Care Health Insurance Issues Advisory on HEPA Filter Use Amid Rising Respiratory Illnesses

Mumbai: Care Health Insurance has issued a public advisory urging households and workplaces to adopt HEPA-certified air filtration systems in response to worsening air quality and a surge in pollution-related respiratory illnesses across India.

Recent weeks have seen sharp increases in asthma flare-ups, respiratory infections, and medical emergencies linked to pollution. National and global assessments continue to highlight India’s high PM2.5 concentrations, among the worst worldwide, exposing millions to hazardous fine particles that penetrate deep into the lungs. Asthma prevalence remains a pressing public health concern, with symptoms worsening during pollution spikes.

The advisory outlines preventive measures, including:

• Using HEPA-certified air purifiers indoors with timely filter replacement.
• Keeping windows and doors closed during severe pollution hours, ventilating only when air quality improves.
• Limiting outdoor activity and strenuous exercise during peak pollution times, opting for indoor alternatives.
• Wearing N95 or equivalent masks outdoors and consulting doctors for eye irritation remedies.
• Ensuring asthma patients follow prescribed medical guidance, keep inhalers accessible, stay hydrated, and maintain an antioxidant-rich diet.
• Minimising indoor pollutants by avoiding incense, candles, and smoke-generating elements.

Speaking on the advisory, Manish Dodeja, Chief Operating Officer, Care Health Insurance, said: “We are witnessing an unprecedented convergence of factors impacting air quality, with direct consequences for respiratory health. As a responsible health partner, Care Health Insurance is committed to guiding policyholders with timely preventive measures. HEPA filtration is a simple yet highly effective step to safeguard indoor air quality.”

Care Health Insurance reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring environmental health indicators and issuing timely guidance to support the well-being of its customers and the wider community.