Avoiding Air Pollution: Simple Steps For A Healthy Life

Air pollution is all around us. Indoors, outdoors, in cities and in the countryside. It is a serious issue that affects us all, whether we realize it or not. It is a global public health emergency that claims the lives of around 7 million people every year, with children being the most vulnerable. To avoid air pollution in our lives, we can take several measures, including reducing our use of cars, using public transportation or carpooling, and avoiding exercising outdoors when pollution levels are high. We can also limit our exposure to second-hand smoke, avoid burning garbage or leaves, and opt for electric or hand-powered lawn equipment. Additionally, we should conserve energy, choose energy-efficient appliances, and be mindful of the energy efficiency of our homes and offices. By making these small changes, we can significantly improve the quality of the air we breathe and protect our health.

Avoid exercising outdoors when pollution levels are high

Air pollution is a serious issue that can have detrimental effects on human health and the environment. While there are broader, systemic changes that need to be implemented to tackle this issue, there are also individual actions that can be taken to reduce exposure to air pollution and mitigate its harmful effects. One such action is to avoid exercising outdoors when pollution levels are high. Here are some detailed tips and guidelines to help you do this:

• Check air quality forecasts and alerts: Stay informed about the air quality in your area by regularly checking forecasts and alerts. You can use local media, air quality apps, or websites such as AirNow.gov to access this information. Sign up for alerts and check the daily forecast so you can plan your activities accordingly.
• Understand the Air Quality Index (AQI) : The AQI is a colour-coded guide that provides information about the air quality and appropriate actions to take. It is measured on a scale from 0 to 500, with higher values indicating unhealthier air quality. When the AQI is above 150, it is generally recommended to limit prolonged exposure to outdoor air pollution.
• Be aware of sensitive groups: Certain individuals are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of air pollution, including children, older adults, people with cardiovascular or respiratory diseases, and those with conditions like asthma or COPD. If you fall into any of these categories, be especially cautious and avoid exercising outdoors when pollution levels are elevated.
• Adjust your workout routine: Instead of exercising outdoors when pollution levels are high, opt for indoor workouts. Consider joining a gym, working out at home, or trying indoor activities like yoga or indoor cycling. If you enjoy running or hiking, try substituting these activities with indoor alternatives like using a treadmill or climbing stairs.
• Time your workouts: If you must exercise outdoors, try to do so earlier in the day. Particle pollution and ozone tend to accumulate throughout the day, making air quality worse in the late afternoon or evening. Morning workouts can help reduce your exposure to pollutants.
• Choose your location wisely: Even if the overall air quality is moderate, avoid exercising near highways or areas with heavy traffic. Vehicles are a major source of pollution, and the pollution levels can be significantly higher in these locations. Opt for parks, nature trails, or quieter streets if you must exercise outdoors.
• Consider using a respirator: While it may not be practical or comfortable for strenuous exercise, consider using a well-fitted N95 or KN95 respirator mask when exercising outdoors in polluted areas. These masks can effectively filter out particulate matter, but ensure they fit properly to cover your nose and mouth without gaps.
• Listen to your body: Pay attention to any physical symptoms or discomfort you experience during or after exercising outdoors. If you notice increased respiratory issues, cardiovascular stress, or other adverse effects, reduce the intensity or duration of your outdoor workouts. Prioritize your health and well-being.
• Advocate for clean air: While individual actions are important, collective action is crucial to addressing air pollution. Advocate for policies that improve air quality, such as the Clean Air Act, and support initiatives that promote cleaner energy sources and reduce emissions. Contact your local lawmakers and representatives to make your voice heard.

Limit your child's time playing outdoors if the air quality is unhealthy

Air pollution is a serious issue that can have harmful effects on human health, particularly for those with pre-existing conditions, children, and the elderly. While governments and industries need to take collective action to reduce emissions, there are also steps that individuals can take to limit their exposure to unhealthy air and protect their families.

One important measure is to limit the time children spend playing outdoors when air quality is poor. This is especially crucial for children with asthma or other lung diseases, as they are more vulnerable to the adverse effects of air pollution. By keeping a close eye on air quality forecasts and limiting outdoor play when necessary, parents can help protect their children's health.

• Check air quality forecasts regularly: Use reliable sources such as local radio, TV weather reports, newspapers, or websites like AirNow.gov to stay informed about the air quality in your area. Look for color-coded forecasts or air quality indices that indicate when the air is unhealthy.
• Limit outdoor playtime during high pollution: When air quality is poor, reduce the amount of time your child spends playing outdoors. This is important, especially for children with asthma or other respiratory issues, as they are more susceptible to the harmful effects of air pollution.
• Choose alternative indoor activities: Instead of outdoor play, encourage indoor activities like indoor games, reading, arts and crafts, or physical activities that can be done inside, such as jumping rope or playing in an indoor playground.
• Avoid high-traffic areas: Even if the overall air quality is moderate, avoid letting children play near busy roads or highways. Vehicles on congested roads can create high levels of pollution in the immediate vicinity.
• Consider using air purifiers indoors: If possible, use air purifiers or filters in your home to help improve indoor air quality, especially on days when outdoor air pollution is high. This can provide an additional layer of protection for your child's respiratory health.
• Encourage schools to take action: Advocate for your child's school to implement measures to reduce exposure to air pollution, such as limiting school bus idling outside school buildings or participating in initiatives like the U.S. EPA's Clean School Bus Program, which aims to replace diesel buses with zero-emissions alternatives.
• Support broader clean air initiatives: Stay informed about local developments and policy changes focused on improving air quality, such as the creation of Clean Air Zones or Low Emission Zones. Get involved by contacting local policymakers and expressing your support for initiatives that prioritize clean air.

By taking these proactive steps, you can help protect your child's health and reduce their exposure to harmful air pollutants. It is important to strike a balance between limiting outdoor playtime during periods of high air pollution and ensuring your child still gets adequate physical activity and time outdoors when air quality is better.

Use less energy in your home

Using less energy in your home is a great way to reduce air pollution and improve the air quality in your community. Generating electricity and other sources of energy creates air pollution, so by reducing your energy use, you can help curb emissions and improve the air quality for yourself and your neighbours.

In the Home

• Turn off the lights when you leave a room.
• Replace energy-hungry incandescent lights with compact fluorescent light bulbs.
• Opt for a fan instead of air conditioning.
• Use a programmable thermostat and set it to 78°F in the summer and 68°F in the winter.
• Install low-flow showerheads.
• Recycle paper, plastic, metals and organic materials.
• Don't use your wood stove or replace it on days with unhealthy air.
• Don't heat your home with a gas stove.
• Use a surge protector for multiple appliances and turn it off when products are not in use.
• Add insulation to your home.
• Wash laundry in cold water and line dry.
• When ready to replace appliances, look for energy star options.
• Use a propane or natural gas barbecue instead of a charcoal one.
• Microwave or use a toaster oven for small meals.
• Use washable dishes, utensils and fabric napkins instead of disposable dinnerware.
• Choose products that use recycled materials.
• Eat locally, shop at farmers' markets and buy organic products.
• Buy products from sustainable sources such as bamboo and hemp.
• Use durable, reusable grocery bags.
• Store all solvents in airtight containers.
• Use an electric or push lawnmower.
• Use a rake or broom instead of a leaf blower.
• Insulate your water heater and any accessible hot water pipes.
• Eliminate the use of toxic chemicals at home and opt for natural substitutes.

Energy Suppliers

• Ask your energy supplier for a home audit and inquire about alternative energy solutions like solar or wind power.
• Consider switching energy suppliers to companies that use renewable energy sources.
• Check your Energy Performance Certificate to see where there may be room for improvement, such as installing better insulation or more efficient appliances.

By making these changes, you can help improve air quality, save money on your energy bills, and contribute to a healthier planet.

Don't burn wood or trash

Burning wood and trash is a major source of particle pollution, which can have a detrimental impact on human health and the environment. Particle pollution is made up of a complex mixture of gases and fine particles, which can cause a range of health issues. Here are some reasons why you should avoid burning wood or trash:

Health Risks

Particle pollution from burning wood and trash can lead to various health problems, especially for vulnerable individuals such as children, teenagers, older adults, and people with pre-existing health conditions. The fine particles released during combustion can infiltrate the respiratory system, causing eye and throat irritation, coughing, and a runny nose. These particles can also trigger asthma attacks and worsen existing respiratory conditions. Additionally, the toxic air pollutants released, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), can cause more severe health issues such as lung and neurological diseases, heart attacks, and certain types of cancer.

Environmental Impact

Burning wood and trash contributes to climate change by releasing greenhouse gases, specifically carbon dioxide and methane, into the atmosphere. These emissions can have long-term environmental consequences, including the creation of haze and damage to scenic areas. Additionally, the practice of burning trash is often associated with developing countries that lack proper waste management systems, leading to open burning of garbage in many parts of the world.

Alternative Practices

To reduce the negative impact on human health and the environment, it is essential to explore alternative practices. Instead of burning wood or trash, consider using cleaner sources of fuel, such as natural gas stoves and heaters, solar panels, electric heat pumps, or geothermal heat pumps. If you must burn fuel, opt for pellets or dry wood, which burn cleaner and more efficiently. Additionally, using EPA-certified wood stoves and dry, seasoned wood can help reduce smoke and particle emissions.

Policy and Community Action

On a broader scale, addressing the issue of burning wood and trash requires collective efforts and policy changes. Advocate for policies that prioritize clean air and encourage the implementation of efficient waste management systems globally. Support initiatives like the U.S. EPA's Clean School Bus Program, which aims to replace diesel buses with zero-emission alternatives. Additionally, communities can benefit from wood stove change-out programs that promote the use of cleaner and more energy-efficient heating sources, especially for low-income families.

Use hand-powered or electric lawn care equipment

Gas-powered landscaping equipment, such as lawnmowers, leaf blowers, and snow blowers, contributes significantly to air pollution. Small off-road engines (SOREs) that power this equipment are relatively unregulated, emitting large amounts of air pollution and releasing one-third of the gas and oil as an aerosolized exhaust mixture.

To reduce air pollution, consider switching to hand-powered or electric lawn care equipment. Here are some benefits and tips for making the switch:

Benefits of Hand-Powered or Electric Lawn Care Equipment

• Reduced air pollution: Electric options produce significantly less air pollution than their gas-powered counterparts, improving air quality for both users and the surrounding environment.
• Cost savings: While electric equipment may have a higher initial cost, over its typical 10-year lifespan, the cost evens out due to reduced fuel and maintenance expenses.
• Eco-friendly alternatives: Hand-powered tools are cheaper and easier to maintain than gas-powered tools, and electric options are now more affordable due to advancements in battery technology.
• Health benefits: By reducing air pollution, you can improve respiratory and cardiovascular health for yourself and your community.

Tips for Switching to Hand-Powered or Electric Lawn Care Equipment

• Assess your yard: If you have a smaller yard, hand-powered tools may be a viable option for mowing, trimming, and raking, without adding significant time or effort.
• Explore electric options: With advancements in battery technology, electric landscaping equipment is becoming more accessible and affordable. Look for solar-powered options as well.
• Support eco-friendly companies: When hiring landscaping services, opt for companies that have made the switch to fully electric, solar-powered equipment.
• Advocate for change: Encourage local governments and communities to adopt eco-friendly lawn care practices and promote the use of electric equipment over gas-powered alternatives.
• Maintain your equipment: Regularly service your gas-powered equipment to minimize emissions, and consider switching to cleaner options when possible.

Frequently asked questions