Poor Air Quality Poses Long-Term Health Risks, Doctors Urge a More Proactive Approach to Lung Health: TATA AIG Study

Poor Air Quality Poses Long-Term Health Risks

Mumbai, September 24, 2026: On World Lung Day, the focus on respiratory health serves as an important reminder that protecting our lungs needs to go beyond treating symptoms when they appear. With air pollution becoming an increasingly important health concern, doctors are emphasising the need for greater awareness and a more proactive approach to lung health. A nationwide study commissioned by TATA AIG General Insurance Company Limited, covering over 400 doctors across specialties, highlights growing concerns around the long-term health impact of poor air quality. Over 60% of doctors surveyed believe AQI levels above 200 pose a significant health risk, while nearly three in four believe deteriorating air quality is contributing to an increase in long-term health risks, including respiratory and cardiac complications. The concern is not limited to immediate symptoms. Two-thirds of doctors believe patients underestimate the impact of prolonged exposure to poor air quality, while 78% say high AQI levels can worsen existing chronic conditions, including hypertension, cardiovascular disease, stroke and diabetes. The findings also point to a financial dimension of health preparedness. A majority of doctors surveyed indicated that close to 95% of patients are financially unprepared to manage the costs of emergency hospitalisation or ICU care arising from severe AQI-related illnesses. Together, the findings highlight the importance of taking a more holistic approach to health—one that combines prevention, awareness, timely medical care and financial preparedness. For individuals and families, being prepared for an unexpected health event can help reduce the financial stress that often accompanies hospitalisation and prolonged treatment. Commenting on the findings, Dr. Santosh Puri, Head – Retail Health & Travel Underwriting, Tata AIG General Insurance, said: “Our lungs work continuously to support us, yet lung health is often something we think about only when we experience a respiratory problem. The findings from our study highlight a need to shift from a reactive approach to a more proactive one. Protecting lung health starts with awareness, prevention and timely medical attention, but preparedness must also extend to the financial impact of unexpected healthcare needs arising out of it. As we observe World Lung Day, we hope to encourage individuals to think more about lung health as a lifelong priority and take steps to protect both their health and their financial wellbeing.” For consumers, the broader message is clear: protecting one's health is not just about responding to illness, it is about being prepared before an unexpected health event occurs. As health risks evolve, adequate financial protection can complement preventive healthcare by helping individuals and families manage the financial burden associated with unforeseen hospitalisation and treatment. Through its study, TATA AIG seeks to contribute to the larger conversation around health preparedness and encourage consumers to view health protection through a more holistic lens—prevention, awareness, timely care and financial preparedness.

About TATA AIG General Insurance Company

TATA AIG General Insurance Company Limited is a joint venture company between TATA Group and American International Group (AIG). TATA AIG General Insurance Company Limited celebrates 25 years of service this year since it commenced operations in India on January 22, 2001. The Company has grown strongly to emerge as one of the preferred private general insurance companies in India with several pioneering firsts to its credit. Driven by a mission to create better tomorrows for customers by delivering trustworthy and innovative insurance products, TATA AIG’s broad portfolio of protection covers for businesses and individuals, are backed by years of professional expertise in product offerings, service capabilities and seamless claims process management. TATA AIG General Insurance Company Limited has a robust multi-channel distribution network, having presence across 262+ locations, employing 1100+ full-time claim experts, and tie-ups with 6500+ workshops and 15,000+ network hospitals and worldwide network of claim servicing partners and a dedicated customer service & operations team, consistently delivering desired customer service experiences, powered by the latest innovations in technology. For more information, please log on to www.tataaig.com For any media queries on TATA AIG General Insurance Company Limited: Rashi Maheshwari Corporate.communications@tataaig.com Priyanshi Pandey priyanshi.pandey@adfactorspr.com