Why Should You Care About Air Quality?

Air pollution affects the overall health of a human being. Whether it comes out of exhaust fumes from cars and factories or smoke from burning stubble air pollution, it is a cause of major concern. The effects of this can be seen in the growing number of asthma and other respiratory diseases. These diseases affect adults and children alike, however, it is the younger generation and elderly people who are more susceptible. Hence, it is extremely important to care about the quality of the air you breathe in. 

What is the significance of the air quality index(AQI)?

The air quality index is a visual representation of pollutant levels in the air around you. A quick glance at this color-coded map can tell you if the air outside your home is likely to harm you or not. The code is broken down into 6 levels ranging from green which signifies minimal impact to red which marks pollution levels that can harm a healthy person and seriously impact those who are already ill. The higher the AQI, the higher the level of air pollution.

What are the steps to reduce air pollution?

Simply talking about how there need to be stricter laws about car emissions and the burning of waste will not help you. Here are a few things you can do to protect yourself and your family from the ill effects of air pollution.

1. Carpool: Exhausts from cars and other vehicles are one of the biggest causes of air pollution. Do your part to reduce air pollution by restricting the amount you use your car. Try taking public transport to work or carpooling with colleagues. Similarly, avoid making individual trips every time you need something from the market. Make a list and when it’s long enough, then step out.

2. Limit indoor pollution: Do not smoke indoors. When cooking, keep the exhaust fan on so that the smoke produced does not collect indoors. Avoid spraying air fresheners etc. While they may temporarily make the air smell fresh, in the long run, they contribute to air pollution.

3. Use public transport Try to use public transport and avoid the use of personal vehicles.

How to Protect yourself from air pollution

1. Refrain from morning walks routines to later hours.

2. Use N95/99 face masks whenever you step out.

3. Use air-purifying plants to purify the air around your surroundings.

4. Ventilate your kitchen, and bathroom to keep yourself away from air pollution.

5. Restrict outdoor activities for kids if there is a high level of air pollution

6. Use air-purifiers in your surroundings.

7. Try to take steam with a few drops of eucalyptus oil every day.

8. Keep your car’s environment fresh.

9. Ventilate your home, open your windows and doors and allow the air to circulate during mid hours.

10. Eat jaggery (aka Gurr) to flush out pollutants from your lungs.

11. Consume a diet rich in vitamin C, omega fatty acids

Hence, the other way to cut down this pollution is by bringing significant lifestyle changes in our daily living. Cutting down the number of diesel and petrol vehicles can also prove helpful. People should shift to CNG and electric vehicles for daily commuting. These efforts, if practiced on a regular basis, can bring a huge decrease in pollution.

Air purifiers can also be a healthy option for indoor purposes.