Protecting Yourself: Air Pollution And Your Health

Air pollution is a serious issue that can have detrimental effects on human health and the environment. With rising temperatures and the increased frequency of heatwaves, air pollution is becoming an increasingly prominent issue. This is especially true in cities, where the air quality is often worse than in rural areas. There are a number of ways to protect yourself from the dangers of air pollution, including checking daily air pollution forecasts, limiting outdoor activities when pollution levels are high, and wearing masks when necessary.

Monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI) in your area

Monitoring the Air Quality Index (AQI) in your area is a valuable tool to help you protect yourself from unhealthy air. The AQI is a complex calculation administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that measures five major pollutants: ground-level ozone, particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide. These measurements are then calculated on a 0-500 scale, with a lower number indicating better air quality. An AQI value under 50 is generally considered safe for everyone to spend time outdoors without significant health risks, while values at or below 100 are considered satisfactory. As the AQI number increases, so does the risk to health.

You can monitor the AQI in your area through various online platforms and applications that provide real-time air quality data. For example, AirNow.gov provides an interactive map that displays the current air quality, with colour-coded indicators ranging from good to hazardous. You can also sign up for email alerts or follow social media accounts of local government agencies, such as Leeds City Council, which provide updates when air pollution levels are expected to be high or very high.

In addition to monitoring the AQI, it is important to be aware of how you feel physically and take steps to protect yourself when necessary. Some individuals, such as those with lung or heart problems, may be more vulnerable to the effects of air pollution, even on days with lower AQI values. Therefore, it is essential to follow official public health guidance and your doctor's advice regarding outdoor activities and managing any existing health conditions.

By staying informed about the AQI in your area and taking appropriate precautions, you can effectively protect yourself and your loved ones from the harmful effects of air pollution. Remember, even if the AQI indicates satisfactory air quality, it is always advisable to prioritise your health and well-being by reducing your exposure to air pollution whenever possible.

Limit outdoor activities when the AQI is high

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a valuable tool to help you stay safe from the dangers of air pollution. The AQI is a complex calculation that measures five major pollutants: ground-level ozone, particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide. These measurements are then calculated on a 0-500 scale, with a higher AQI value indicating greater air pollution and health risks.

An AQI value under 50 is generally considered good air quality, indicating that it is safe for everyone to spend time outdoors without posing a risk to their health. However, when the AQI value is high, it is recommended to limit outdoor activities. Here are some detailed instructions to protect yourself:

• Reduce outdoor time: When the AQI value is high, it is advisable to limit the amount of time spent outdoors. The longer a person stays active outdoors, the higher the chances of being affected by unhealthy air pollution.
• Decrease activity intensity: Along with reducing outdoor time, it is essential to decrease the intensity of physical activities. Strenuous activities can increase the risk of adverse health effects from air pollution. This is especially important for individuals with lung or heart problems, who are more vulnerable to the impacts of poor air quality.
• Consider wearing a mask: If you must venture outdoors, think about using a well-fitted N95 or KN95 mask. These masks offer better filtration capabilities than cloth or dust masks and can provide some protection against particle pollution.
• Keep indoor air healthy: When the outdoor air quality is poor, maintaining good indoor air quality is crucial. Keep windows and doors closed to prevent polluted outdoor air from entering your home. Take steps to ensure the air you breathe indoors is clean and healthy.
• Stay informed: Keep yourself updated about the air quality in your area. Utilize resources like AirNow.gov, which provides local, state, national, and global air quality information. Additionally, follow official public health guidance and take necessary precautions to minimize your exposure to air pollution.
• Prepare for disasters: Wildfires, heatwaves, and other natural disasters can significantly impact air quality. Stay informed about potential disasters in your area and learn how to prepare for them. This includes understanding the unique challenges posed by each type of disaster and taking appropriate measures to safeguard yourself and your loved ones.

By following these guidelines, you can help protect yourself and your loved ones from the harmful effects of air pollution when the AQI is high. Remember, even if you are not in a sensitive group, it is always beneficial to take proactive measures to safeguard your health.

Wear a well-fitted N95 or KN95 mask

When dealing with air pollution, wearing a well-fitted N95 or KN95 mask is a highly effective strategy. These masks are designed to protect against airborne particles, including fine particulate matter, and have proven invaluable in the fight against harmful air pollution. N95 and KN95 masks are capable of filtering out at least 95% of airborne particles, including microscopic pollutants, thanks to their multi-layer protection. The outer layer repels liquid particles, the middle layer filters, and the inner layer absorbs moisture.

It is important to ensure a snug fit to minimise gaps through which unfiltered air can enter. Adjusting the nose clip and securing the mask tightly against your cheeks and chin helps achieve this. Regular checks for any damage or deformities that may impact the mask's effectiveness are also necessary. Checking the straps are intact and adjusting them for a secure seal is vital.

N95/KN95 masks are designed for single-use or limited reuse, so proper disposal and sanitisation protocols are essential. It is also important to avoid touching the front of the mask during removal to prevent contamination. While these masks are a powerful defence, they are not a cure-all, and other preventive measures, such as reducing outdoor exposure during peak pollution times, are still necessary.

It is also worth noting that N95 and KN95 masks have different expiration dates. N95 masks have a shelf life of 2-5 years, while KN95 masks should have an expiration date printed on the packaging. It is important to be vigilant when purchasing these masks, as there are many counterfeit products on the market.

Invest in an air purifier with a HEPA filter

Air pollution is a serious issue, and it can be harmful to everyone. While there are no truly "safe" levels of air pollution, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and improve the air quality around you. One such step is to invest in an air purifier with a HEPA filter.

HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air. HEPA filters are highly effective at capturing airborne particles, including those that are particularly harmful to human health, such as smoke, dust, pollen, bacteria, viruses, dander, mold spores, pet hair, and other allergens. They are designed to remove at least 99.97% of airborne particles that are 0.3 microns in diameter, which is considered the most difficult particle size to capture. This means that both larger and smaller particles are captured more efficiently. For reference, human hair typically measures between 20 and 180 microns across, so the particles captured by HEPA filters are incredibly small.

When choosing an air purifier with a HEPA filter, it is important to consider the size of the space you need to purify. Air purifiers are designed for different-sized spaces, including small spaces such as kids' bedrooms and offices, general living spaces such as living rooms and master bedrooms, and large spaces with high ceilings. It is also important to look at the manufacturer-supplied specifications on airflow, usually given as the clean air delivery rate (CADR). This will give you an idea of the purifier's ability to move air through the filter. Additionally, you should calculate the air changes per hour (ACH) the purifier can provide for your room size. A minimum of four ACH is recommended for a purifier to be considered adequate, as this ensures rapid and nearly complete cleaning of highly polluted air.

Some air purifiers also come with an ionizer in addition to the HEPA filter. However, it is recommended to turn off this feature if possible, as ionizers can produce a small amount of ozone, which is harmful to breathe. Instead, opt for a purifier that relies solely on HEPA filtration or another safe filtering method.

By investing in an air purifier with a HEPA filter, you can significantly improve the indoor air quality in your home or business, reducing the harmful effects of air pollution and improving the health of all occupants.

Avoid burning firewood or trash

Burning firewood and trash is a major source of particle pollution. It releases harmful chemicals and toxins, including nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, benzene, formaldehyde, and polycyclic organic matter (POMs). These pollutants have detrimental effects on both indoor and outdoor air quality and can lead to serious health issues.

To protect yourself from the harmful effects of burning firewood or trash, it is advisable to avoid this practice altogether. Instead, opt for alternative heating methods that are cleaner and more efficient, such as solar panels, electric or geothermal heat pumps, or natural gas stoves and heaters with proper ventilation. These alternatives produce fewer emissions and contribute to a healthier living environment.

If you must burn firewood, it is crucial to take certain precautions. Firstly, ensure that you use a clean-burning stove or fireplace that meets EPA standards and is properly installed, inspected, and maintained. Burning dry, seasoned firewood with a moisture content of 20% or less is recommended, as it produces less smoke and pollutants. Additionally, burning hardwood instead of softwood is preferable, as it burns more slowly and evenly, resulting in reduced smoke emissions.

Burning trash, including garbage, plastic, rubber, treated wood, and certain chemicals, is extremely harmful and should be avoided. These materials release toxic chemicals and heavy metals, such as dioxin, benzo(a)pyrene (BAP), and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are carcinogenic. It is essential to dispose of trash properly and refrain from burning it to protect both your health and the environment.

By following these guidelines and opting for alternative heating methods or cleaner-burning practices, you can significantly reduce your exposure to harmful pollutants and improve the air quality for yourself, your family, and your community.

Frequently asked questions