Air pollution is a major public health issue that causes millions of premature deaths annually. In Chennai, India, with a population of over 8 million people, there are only 3 government air quality monitors, providing insufficient data on pollution levels. Hospitals and healthcare facilities have an important role to play in addressing air pollution through education, advocacy, and monitoring of local air quality near their facilities, as demonstrated by a case study of the Huma Lung Foundation in Chennai. The Foundation installed air quality monitors at their hospital to obtain better data and raise awareness of this important issue among patients, staff, and the public.

1. Air Pollution and Health
Advisories:
Role of Hospitals and Health Care Facilities (Case
study from Chennai, India)
Shweta Narayan,
Healthy Energy Initiative - India

2. Air Pollution – A Silent Killer
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3. Air Pollution – A Silent Killer
- According to WHO 7 million premature deaths annually linked to Air Pollution; 3
million to outdoor air pollution in 2012 (same as the toll from malaria,
tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS combined)
- It affects our health and quality of life throughout the life course;
- Evidence of links to cancer, asthma, stroke, heart disease, diabetes, obesity;
changes linked to dementia, and harmful effects on the fetus and young child.
- Economic burden of Air Pollution - workers and students less productive, stress
on the health care systems - Premature deaths due to air pollution in 2013 cost
the global economy about $225 billion in lost labour income, or about $5.11
trillion in welfare losses, worldwide (World Bank).
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4. Is there enough monitoring data?
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5. Is there enough monitoring data?
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- CHENNAI – Area 426 km2
- Population – 8.5 Million (2017)
- Air Quality monitors (Government of India) – 3
- US Consulate monitor - 1

6. Role of Health Care Systems
• To heal and prevent disease
• To promote individual and community wellbeing.
• A credible source of information, and community anchor.
• Societal leadership on air pollution and climate change
• Through communications and health based information, education of
patients, the health care workforce, and the general public.
• Role in policy advocacy that will protect public health from air
pollution and climate change.
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7. Hospital Air Monitoring and Advocacy:
Case Study from Chennai – Huma Lung Foundation
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8. Hospital Air Monitoring and Advocacy:
Case Study from Chennai – Huma Lung Foundation
#LowCarbonHealthCare

9. Hospital Air Monitoring and Advocacy:
Case Study from Chennai – Huma Lung Foundation
#LowCarbonHealthCare

10. Hospital Air Monitoring and Advocacy:
Case Study from Chennai – Huma Lung Foundation
#LowCarbonHealthCare

11. Hospital Air Monitoring and Advocacy:
Case Study from Chennai – Huma Lung Foundation
#LowCarbonHealthCare

12. Hospital Air Monitoring and Advocacy:
Case Study from Chennai – Huma Lung Foundation
#LowCarbonHealthCare

13. Hospital Air Monitoring and Advocacy:
Case Study from Chennai – Huma Lung Foundation
#LowCarbonHealthCare

14. Hospital Air Monitoring and Advocacy:
Case Study from Chennai – Huma Lung Foundation
#LowCarbonHealthCare

15. Hospital Air Monitoring and Advocacy:
Case Study from Chennai – Huma Lung Foundation
#LowCarbonHealthCare

16. www.healthyenergyinitiative.org
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