Tips to Stay Safe from Air Pollution
With the end of the festive season, India welcomes the winter, and cooler weather brings along separate challenges—an alarming rise in air pollution levels leading to smog. Metropolitan cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and other major cities in the northern region of India face a spike in air pollution.
In such a situation, it becomes crucial to be aware of the possible health risks and take the necessary precautions to keep yourself and your loved ones safe amid the air pollution.
Health Hazards of Air Pollution
The health risks associated with air pollution are numerous and can range from short-term discomfort to long-term, life-threatening conditions.
Respiratory Issues: Air pollution irritates the air passage, leading to coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and aggravation of asthma.
Chronic Lung Disease: Prolonged exposure to pollutants in air can lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and even lung cancer.
Heart Diseases: The air quality becomes severely poor during smog season, and the pollutants may penetrate into the bloodstream, leading to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Weakened Immune System: Continuous exposure to harmful pollutants can lower your immune defenses, making you more susceptible to even minor infections.
Allergies: Allergic reactions can get triggered due to airborne particles such as dust and pollen, which usually get worsened by pollution and can lead to sinusitis problems.
- Eye Irritation: Polluted air can lead to itchy, burning, or red eyes, sometimes resulting in infections.
Tips to Stay Safe During High Pollution Levels
Amidst the rising air pollution levels, you can take some precautionary measures to safeguard your health from the brunt of smog.
Outdoor Precautions
1. Check Air Quality Regularly
Monitor the air quality index (AQI) in your area. Several apps give real-time information about the air quality, helping you to plan your day ahead. Strictly refrain from any outdoor activities when the AQI reaches above 300.
2. Wear an N95 or N99 Mask
Surgical masks or cloth masks may not be enough to filter out harmful pollutants. Consider investing in an N95 or N99 mask, which is capable of filtering out particulate matter (PM2.5) and other harmful pollutants. Dispose of the mask responsibly after use.
3. Limit Outdoor Activities
During peak pollution times, it’s best to avoid outdoor exercises like running, jogging, or cycling, which will increase the oxygen requirement of the body. Inhaling polluted air can cause irritation in the airways. Try to limit outdoor activities and do mild exercises at home.
4. Cleaner Transportation
To curb the carbon emissions from vehicles, opt for options like public transport, carpooling, or electric cars and contribute to reducing the air pollution.
Indoor Precautions
1. Air Purifiers
Air purifiers become a must when the air pollution levels are all-time high. Invest in a good air purifier, preferably with a HEPA filter, which can filter and trap microscopic particles in the air, eliminating allergens and pollutants within the home.
2. Plants that Purify Air
Many air-purifying indoor plants are readily available that filter and purify the air by absorbing toxins and harmful pollutants suspended in the air. Certain indoor plants like snake plants, spider plants, and peace lilies can help reduce the amount of indoor air pollutants.
3. Ventilation
Ensure proper ventilation within your home. Refrain from keeping windows wide open, especially in the early morning when smog tends to settle.
4. Hydrate and Eat Rich Foods
Drinking adequate water and herbal teas helps flush out toxins from the body. Similarly, consuming foods rich in antioxidants like vitamin C, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin E helps in detoxifying your body along with boosting immunity.
Medical Precautions
1. Consult a Doctor
In case you or anyone in your family is facing prolonged coughing, sneezing, or shortness of breath, immediately consult a doctor and seek medical treatment. Negligence may result in severe respiratory problems like asthma or bronchitis.
2. Steam Inhalation and Nasal Irrigation
To keep your lungs healthy, regularly take steam with essential oils or try saline nasal sprays to keep the airways clean and flush out the pollutants in your nasal passage.
3. Use Eye Drops
Air pollutants not only disrupt the airways but also cause irritation and redness in the eyes. Wear protective glasses when outside, and keep lubricating eye drops handy to rinse out particles that may have settled in your eyes.
Conclusion:
Air pollution in India becomes a grave problem, especially during winter season. Persistent exposure to such an atmosphere can deteriorate your health, causing serious respiratory problems. Hence, it is wise to take appropriate outdoor and indoor precautionary measures to combat the impact of air pollution.
While you prepare yourself to fight the upcoming season of smog, invest in a good health insurance policy to get financial protection in case of sudden medical emergencies. You can also avail of wellness benefits to track and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Disclaimer:
The information in this blog is for general purposes only. It is not intended to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Kindly seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any concerns you may have regarding your health and read the policy document to understand the insurance policies and wellness benefits.
