Breathe in some quality air this festive season
Over the years, air pollution has become a major public health hazard. With the rise in the large scale industrial activities, an increasing amount of traffic and vehicular emission, ongoing constructions in the metro cities are some of the significant causes of environmental air pollution. But the cherry on the top would be the festive fireworks leading to high air pollution levels that can cause immediate health problems. And recently indoor air pollution has emerged as one of the leading reasons for health issues in India.
Here are some common illnesses caused by high air pollution levels.
- Aggravated cardiovascular and respiratory illness
- Damaged cells in the respiratory system
- Shortened life span
- Lung damage, even after symptoms such as coughing or a sore throat disappears
- Reduced resistance to infections
- Increased fatigue
- Irregular heartbeat
- Nonfatal heart attacks and arrhythmias in people with heart disease
Long-term exposure to pollution can result in significant health problems hence it is essential to safeguard yourself from it. Here are tips to protect yourself from the festive pollution.
- Avoid exercising when the pollution level is high – during the festival of lights after bursting a lot of firecrackers at night, the air next morning is not fresh rather it is harmful. It is for the best to ditch your morning walks and jogs around this time. Instead, you may do some pranayamas at home in a room where you either have plants or an air purifier.
- Indoor plants will improve the quality of air – As indoor air pollution has emerged it is a necessity to improve the quality of air at home. Plants like Aloe Vera, Areca Palm, English Ivy, Spider Plant, Peace Lily will help clean the air and will beautify your home.
- Ventilate your kitchen and bathroom – Smokes from cooking food in the kitchen and bacteria accumulation in the bathroom are the source of indoor air pollution. Make sure there is a chimney in the kitchen and an exhaust in the bathroom to ensure air recirculation.
- Usage of Air Purifiers – Seemingly harmless particulate matters such as pet hair, cooking smoke, adhesives in household furniture and electronic equipment causes air pollution. Home air purifiers can work wonders as they can remove up to 99% of particulate matter ensuring good quality air for your home.
- Keep your car windows rolled up while traveling – Avoid traveling on a motorbike or with your car windows down. By doing so, you may be inhaling more smoke and pollution than you know. However if you do travel on a motorbike wear an anti pollutant mask, you can easily find them on online portals or stores near you. Although traveling in a closed vehicle would preferably with an air purifier in a place.
- Foods that flush out pollutants – Jaggery can flush out pollutants from lungs. Also, it is a healthy alternative to sugar. Include foods with more vitamin C, omega 3 fatty acids, and magnesium in your diet. These elements can help your body in beating the ill effects of breathing in polluted air.
