Greta Jimenez
Outdoor air pollution is a pressing issue that affects the health of people worldwide. While effective policies to reduce emissions at their sources are clearly preferable, there are also individual actions that can be taken to reduce exposure and health risks. This includes checking daily air pollution forecasts in your area, reducing energy use, choosing a cleaner commute, and using environmentally safe paints and cleaning products.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reducing energy use | Set your air conditioner thermostat to 78 degrees or low cool in the summer, and lower your heat thermostat in the winter |
| Cleaner commute | Share a ride to work, use public transportation, or bike and walk to get around |
| Air quality forecasts | Check daily air pollution forecasts in your area and avoid exercising outdoors when pollution levels are high |
| Air filters | Clean indoor air with air filters |
| Environmentally safe products | Use environmentally safe paints and cleaning products |
| Gas logs | Consider using gas logs instead of wood |
| Lawn care equipment | Use hand-powered or electric lawn care equipment rather than gasoline-powered |
What You'll Learn
Reduce energy use at home and at work
Reducing energy use at home and at work is a great way to help lower air pollution levels. There are many ways to do this, including:
- Setting your air conditioner thermostat to 78 degrees or low cool in the summer, and lowering your heat thermostat in the winter.
- Using environmentally safe paints and cleaning products.
- Mulching or composting leaves and yard waste.
- Using gas logs instead of wood.
- Using hand-powered or electric lawn care equipment rather than gasoline-powered.
- Riding the subway or bus, or biking and walking to get around.
- Following the City's car idling law.
- Sharing rides to work or using public transportation.
You can also protect yourself and your family from the dangers of outdoor air pollution by checking daily air pollution forecasts in your area and limiting outdoor activities when pollution levels are high. This includes avoiding exercising outdoors and limiting the amount of time children spend playing outdoors. Even when the air quality forecasts are good, it's best to avoid exercising near high-traffic areas, as vehicles on busy highways can create high pollution levels nearby.
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Choose a cleaner commute
There are many ways that we can reduce outdoor air pollution. One of the most effective ways is to choose a cleaner commute. This means opting for more environmentally friendly ways of getting around, such as riding the subway or bus, or even biking and walking. If you need to drive, you can share a ride to work or use public transportation. This will help to reduce the number of cars on the road and therefore lower emissions.
Another way to reduce emissions is to follow the City's car idling law. Idling cars produce a significant amount of pollution, so by turning off your engine when you are parked or waiting, you can help to reduce this.
You can also reduce your energy use at home and at work. This includes setting your air conditioner thermostat to 78 degrees or low cool in the summer, and lowering your heat thermostat in the winter.
It is also important to be mindful of the products you are using. You can reduce air pollution by using environmentally safe paints and cleaning products, as well as mulching or composting leaves and yard waste. If you are able to, use gas logs instead of wood, and opt for hand-powered or electric lawn care equipment rather than gasoline-powered.
Finally, it is a good idea to check daily air pollution forecasts in your area. This will help you to plan your activities accordingly and limit your exposure to high pollution levels. When the air quality is unhealthy, move your workouts indoors and limit the amount of time children spend playing outdoors.
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Limit time spent outdoors when pollution levels are high
While it is important to take steps to reduce air pollution, it is also necessary to limit your exposure to it. One way to do this is to limit the time spent outdoors when pollution levels are high.
Checking daily air pollution forecasts in your area can help you plan ahead and reduce your time outside when the air quality is poor. Sources for this information include local radio and TV weather reports, newspapers and online platforms. You can also keep an eye on the colour-coded forecasts, which indicate when the air quality is unhealthy.
On days when pollution levels are high, it is advisable to move your workouts or exercises indoors. This could include walking in a shopping mall or using a gym. If you have children, limit the amount of time they spend playing outdoors. Even if the air quality forecasts are good, it is best to avoid exercising near high-traffic areas, as vehicles on busy highways can create high pollution levels nearby.
To further reduce your exposure to outdoor air pollution, you can take steps to limit the infiltration of outdoor air into your indoor space. This may include keeping windows and doors closed and using air filters to clean the indoor air. Additionally, when planning outdoor activities, try to schedule them for days when pollution levels are expected to be lower.
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Use environmentally safe paints and cleaning products
There are many ways to reduce outdoor air pollution. One way is to use environmentally safe paints and cleaning products. These products are designed to have a minimal impact on the environment and can help improve air quality.
Traditional paints and cleaning products often contain harmful chemicals that can be released into the air as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs can cause a range of health problems, including respiratory issues and headaches. By contrast, environmentally safe paints and cleaning products are made with natural, non-toxic ingredients that do not release harmful chemicals into the air.
When choosing paints, look for options that are labelled as "low-VOC" or "zero-VOC". These paints have lower levels of volatile organic compounds, which means they release fewer chemicals into the air as they dry. There are also natural paint options made from ingredients like clay, milk protein, and plant dyes. These paints are not only safer for the environment, but they can also provide a unique, rustic look for your home.
Similarly, opt for cleaning products that are free from harsh chemicals. Many traditional cleaning products contain ingredients like ammonia, phosphates, and synthetic fragrances, which can be harmful to both your health and the environment. Instead, choose products that are plant-based, biodegradable, and non-toxic. You can even make your own cleaning solutions using simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils.
By making the switch to environmentally safe paints and cleaning products, you can help reduce outdoor air pollution and create a healthier, more sustainable environment for yourself and your community.
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Protect your indoor air quality
While it is important to reduce outdoor air pollution, it is also crucial to protect your indoor air quality. Here are some ways to do this:
Firstly, stay informed about the air quality in your area. Check daily air pollution forecasts, which are often colour-coded, to know when the air is unhealthy. Sources of this information include local radio and TV weather reports, newspapers and online platforms. This awareness will enable you to take necessary precautions, such as limiting outdoor activities, especially for children, and moving workouts indoors on high pollution days.
Secondly, reduce outdoor air infiltration into your home. This can be done by ensuring proper ventilation and using air filters to clean the indoor air. Additionally, consider using environmentally safe paints and cleaning products, as well as mulching or composting leaves and yard waste, to minimise indoor air pollution sources.
Thirdly, when it comes to lawn care, opt for hand-powered or electric equipment instead of gasoline-powered options. Gasoline-powered engines, such as lawnmowers and leaf blowers, contribute to air pollution.
Finally, be prepared for disasters that can impact air quality, such as wildfires. Learn how to protect yourself from wildfire smoke and other air quality disruptions by familiarising yourself with relevant resources and guidelines.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to reduce outdoor air pollution. Firstly, you can reduce energy use at home and at work. Secondly, you can choose a cleaner commute, such as riding the subway or bus, biking, or walking. Thirdly, you can use environmentally safe paints and cleaning products. Fourthly, you can mulch or compost leaves and yard waste. Finally, you can use gas logs instead of wood.
On days with high air pollution, it is recommended to stay indoors and limit physical exertion, especially outdoors and near air pollution sources. You can also check daily air pollution forecasts in your area to plan outdoor activities for days when pollution levels are low.
You can reduce outdoor air infiltration to indoors and clean indoor air with air filters. It is also important to be prepared for disasters that impact air quality, such as wildfires, and to learn how to protect yourself from the smoke and other pollutants they may generate.
Cleaner commutes include sharing a ride to work, using public transportation, riding a bike, or walking.
At home, you can use hand-powered or electric lawn care equipment instead of gasoline-powered engines, which add pollution to the air. You can also set your air conditioner thermostat to 78 degrees or low cool in the summer and lower your heat thermostat in the winter.
