Have you witnessed waking up coughing because the morning smog is too much in Delhi, or do you struggle to breathe when outside? Delhi being one of the most polluted cities on a global level its air affects millions of its inhabitants on a daily basis. When air has been labelled as polluted it may lead to respiratory illness, allergens, as well as cardiovascular diseases therefore it is important to look for ways that one can protect themselves. Below we have listed five tips that will assist you to reduce your chances of getting sick within the polluted environment of Delhi.
1. Invest in High-Quality Masks
Why It’s Important: Aerosols and suspended particles which fall under particulate matter 2.5 and 10 are major flying pollutants that can enter your lungs and affect your health.
What to Do:
❖ Use N95 or N99 Masks: They are usually created to capture as much as 95-99% of all airborne particles considered to be unhealthy.
❖ Proper Fit: Make sure your masks do not permit any leaks when inhaling and exhaling.
❖ Reusable Options: Ideally, replaceable filters should be added to masks to make them more longer serving.
❖ Pro Tip: Filters should best be replaced according to the pollutant level within the environment but at the least, should be replaced daily.
2. Optimize Indoor Air Quality
Why It’s Important: Outdoor air pollution isn’t the only problem; indoor air can also be polluted, particularly if contaminated air manages to infiltrate your home.
What to Do:
❖ Invest in Air Purifiers: An ideal filter to use should be one that has a HEPA filter that will capture fine particles.
❖ Houseplants as Natural Purifiers: Indoor toxins that can be controlled by placing house plants include Snake Plant, Areca Palm, and Spider Plant.
❖ Seal Gaps: Weather strips on windows and doors help to lock out polluted air from coming inside the home.
❖ Pro Tip: Run your purifier throughout the night since that is when exposure is reduced, but don’t stop it once night is over or when you go to sleep.
3. Monitor Air Quality and Plan Your Day
Why It’s Important: Familiarizing yourself with pollutants’ levels will enable you reduce time spent outdoors especially when the ambient air is polluted.
What to Do:
❖ Use Apps: Similarly get an application like AQI India or SAFAR for live air quality index details.
❖ Avoid Outdoor Activities: Avoid exercise or other activity worse by the effects of pollution, such as walking or cycling to school or work during mornings and between 4 and 7 p.m.
❖ Stay Indoors on Bad Days: If the AQI value is high then try and avoid going outdoors as much as possible.
❖ Pro Tip: Try to plan the time for your shopping or jogging during mid afternoon to avoid having to breathe polluted air.
4. Adopt a Pollution-Fighting Diet
Why It’s Important: Will pollution harm me? The right nutrients will help your body’s immune system and stand up against pollution.
What to Do:
❖ Antioxidant-Rich Foods: It is important to recommend vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and berries because these help counter the effects of pollutants that impose the stress on the body.
❖ Vitamin C & E: We believe that citrus fruits, nuts, & seeds have lung-protecting effects.
❖ Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Contains omega-3 fatty acids which are–located in walnuts and flaxseeds–help control inflammation within the respiratory tract.
❖ Stay Hydrated: Taking a lot of water helps in getting rid of toxins and makes the surfaces of the respiratory tracts moist.
Also read more on What Happens When You Drink Too Much Water? Everything You Need to Know About Water Intoxication
❖ Pro Tip: Take food rich in turmeric and ginger since they contain anti-inflammatory ingredients.
5. Use Public Transport or Carpool.
Why It’s Important: Less congestion would mean less emissions from automobiles hence better quality air for those in that region.
What to Do:
❖ Choose Metro and Buses: Auto and bus use in Delhi is common, and in comparison to personal cars, they put out fewer pollutants into the environment.
❖ Carpooling Apps: One can share a ride by fixing up with others using apps such as BlaBlaCar or Quick Ride.
❖ Avoid Diesel Vehicles: Emissions of diesel are even more dangerous for the atmosphere.
❖ Pro Tip: Spend short durations outside on low-pollutant days; instead of driving for a short trip, bike or walk.
More advice for safeguarding
❖ Keep Windows Closed: Do not open windows during hours when pollutants are most likely to be present.
❖ Clean Air Filters: Clean your car and air-conditioner filters frequently if they are in a position of recirculating contaminated air.
❖ Stay Hygienic: Avoid exposure to air pollution by wearing a mask and washing your face and hands when you get back indoors.
❖ Steam Inhalation: It can assist to remove different pollutants from the respiratory tracts.
For such more related content don't forget to check out our blogs on Treatments.
Conclusion
A fight to clean the air of Delhi has to be fought separately, both by the individuals and society at large. It is possible to stay out of harm’s way by following simple safety precautions ie mask wearing, checking AQI and improving your diet. Starting from planting more trees, or even blowing the car horn less, every step is important in improving emissions. Anyway, the fact is clear: the air we breathe in defines how healthy our life is.
Are you prepared to make these changes and improve the state of the environment? This blog should be shared to make people aware and encourage them in fighting against air pollution of Delhi.