How expats can protect themselves from air, water, and environmental pollution

Understanding local pollution: Water, air and environment

Pollution is associated with a wide range of health issues, including asthma, cardiovascular diseases and dysentery. Worse still, living in a polluted country increases the risk of premature death. Air pollution caused by wildfires alone is responsible for approximately 1.53 million deaths annually, according to a study published in The Lancet in December 2024.

Although often underestimated, pollution is one of the major health risks for expats.

Air pollution

Regions and countries most affected by air pollution include Sub-Saharan Africa, India, China, and Southeast Asia. Fine particles (PM2.5), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and ozone (O₃) can trigger discomfort, respiratory problems, and cardiovascular issues.

In cities such as New Delhi, Beijing, or Karachi, pollution levels far exceed international recommendations. While air quality regulations are now well-established in Europe, they are often absent or simply ignored elsewhere.

Water pollution

In some countries, tap water is unsafe to drink. Consuming it can lead to common problems such as diarrhea. Water may also be contaminated by microorganisms responsible for illnesses such as viral hepatitis A or E, legionellosis, or even stomach ulcers and cancers caused by Helicobacter pylori.

Polluting industries are another factor behind declining water quality. Arsenic, heavy metals, and chemical waste often find their way into drinking water, leading to long-term health risks such as cancer.

Environmental pollution

Expats may also face broader environmental issues, such as dust, widespread waste caused by a lack of recycling, or unmanaged landfills.

Extreme weather conditions, with heatwaves, droughts, and flooding becoming increasingly common, can exacerbate air quality and water quality issues.

How to prepare yourself before moving abroad

Ideally, you would choose a country with low pollution levels. Of course, not every expat has that luxury, and some opportunities are simply too good to pass up. Whatever your destination, here are some key steps to prepare:

• Research air quality through real-time platforms or historical data on sites such as IQAir or Plume Labs.

• Review water safety by checking out WHO reports, local statistics, and the experiences of other expats.

• Choose housing carefully: opt for an apartment on a higher floor (to reduce exposure to dust), with good ventilation, and ideally located on the outskirts of the city.

• Plan ahead and bring anti-pollution tools with you, such as portable water testing kits, air quality monitors, and other useful equipment.

Daily habits to adopt for protection from local pollution

Protecting yourself against air pollution

The first habit to adopt is checking the air quality every day, either through your weather app or a dedicated monitoring service.

If possible, invest in a domestic air purifier before moving to a polluted city. HEPA filters are especially effective.

It’s equally important to take precautions outdoors. When air pollution peaks, wear a protective mask, such as an FFP2, FFP3, N95, or KN95 mask. If you drive, always switch to “air recirculation” mode to prevent polluted air from entering the vehicle.

Some seasons bring higher levels of pollution. If possible, use these times to travel, take a holiday, or return home for a break.

Protecting yourself against water pollution

In many destinations, filtering tap water is essential. Install filters directly on your taps and consider buying reusable bottles with built-in filters. Alternatively, you can rely on certified bottled water, though it is less environmentally friendly.

When traveling, consider carrying a portable purifier, a filtering water bottle, or purification tablets.

Pay attention to what you eat and drink when dining out: avoid ice cubes in drinks and raw vegetables that may have been rinsed in unsafe water.

Use common sense when it comes to water safety: avoid swimming in poorly maintained pools and stay away from beaches known to be polluted.

Environmentally responsible habits

Reducing health risks while living abroad is also a matter of collective responsibility. As an expat, you can help limit pollution by making conscious lifestyle choices:

• Reduce waste: buy in bulk, avoid plastic, and never litter.

• Lower your carbon footprint: use public transportation, cycle or walk whenever possible, eat locally and choose plant-based meals when possible, and limit your use of air conditioning and dryers.

• Respectfully suggest local initiatives to help reduce pollution and improve community health.

Staying healthy abroad means adopting small but consistent daily habits. Monitor air and water quality, invest in the right equipment, and adjust your lifestyle accordingly. These simple yet crucial measures will go a long way in protecting your health as an expat.

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