Despite many health hazards, and huge number of consequent deaths due to Covid-19 fatal virus, it had a significant impact on reducing air pollution during several lock-downs in last two years. However, now that life in Delhi has returned to normal, the air pollution problem has resurfaced.
Particularly, in Diwali 2022 despite the restrictions, firecrackers contributed significantly to air pollution, resulting in heavy smog over Delhi’s skyline.
The Supreme Court of India has slammed the Central Government and ordered that an emergency strategy be implemented to address the health threat.
Some regulation is set to take effect soon in order to combat the severe air pollution in Delhi which can be temporary closing down of regular schools or a two day lock-down to prevent worsening of the Air Pollution.
Following Diwali, the air quality index (AQI) reached dangerously low levels. In most parts of Delhi NCR, the average AQI is currently between 500 and 1,000.
In this article, we will first learn about the risks of breathing toxic air, as well as how to avoid them.
Risks of breathing Toxic Air
The toxic air in the city has high levels of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and carbon monoxide, placing people at risk for strokes, heart attacks, and high blood pressure, as well as worsening COVID-19 respiratory issues.
Pollutants in the air can have the following short-term effects:
- Irritation of the nose, throat, eyes, or skin
- Asthma aggravating and respiratory symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, or trouble breathing
- Headaches, dizziness, and nausea
Pollutants in the air can have long-term consequences such as:
- Increases your risk of asthma and infections including pneumonia and bronchitis
- Predisposes you to a variety of respiratory illnesses
- Exposure to air pollution can limit and delay lung growth in children, as a result it causes short term health deterioration of children and lowering their lung function later in life.
- Coronary artery disease
- Lung cancer. Particle pollution has been linked to lung cancer, according to the World Health Organization.
- Infection susceptibility: Air pollution raises the risk of lung infections, particularly in children.
- COPD symptoms worsen. Air pollution can make breathing even more difficult for persons with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Severe symptoms may necessitate hospitalisation and, in the worst-case scenario, death.
- Reduces lung function and capacity
- Increases the ageing of your lungs
- Reduces your lifespan
- Causes damage to nerves, the brain, kidneys, lungs, liver, and other organs
Tips to Protect Yourself from Air Pollution
A few pointers on how to protect yourself from the harmful effects of smog and pollution:
- Avoid outdoor air pollution by remaining inside as much as possible, closing your windows and doors, and limiting the usage of exhaust fans in your home, which bring in outside air.
- Avoid going outside or engaging in outdoor activities early in the morning and late in the evening.
- And if you’re having trouble breathing, don’t go outside. If you have asthma, keep your inhaler with you at all times.
- When going outside, wear a mask. Anti-pollution masks are extremely effective.
- Avoid strenuous exercise and do not exercise outside since they might cause inhalation of minute pollutants. Focus on indoor activities such as: Yoga, pilates, stretching, jumping rope, and strength training with free weights are all exercises you may do at home.
- Keep children as much as possible indoors.
- Don’t smoke. Garbage should not be burned.
- Keep yourself hydrated. Drink plenty of water to aid in the removal of toxins from the body.
- Consume a diet full of properly prepared whole foods.
- Take organic fruits high in vitamin C, magnesium, and omega fatty acids. These fruits are high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory chemicals, which aid in immunity boosting.
- Use nasal filters or air purifiers to provide temporary relief.
- Stay away from regions where there is a lot of smoke or dust.
- Fill your home and office with air purifying plants.
To sum up…
Meddey.com makes every effort to deliver products that are eco-friendly and do not hurt the environment or the air we breathe. We wish to play a significant role in taking steps for the sake of our environment and cherished people, by contributing to the improvement of people’s lifestyle and health through a variety of products such as masks for air pollution and air purifiers to purify the air for your home and office. Take Air pollution seriously and protect yourself and your beloved ones.