Breathe Easy: Reduce Exposure To Air Pollution

Air pollution is a major environmental health problem affecting everyone worldwide. Outdoor air pollution alone was estimated to cause 4.2 million premature deaths globally per year in 2019, with the majority of these deaths caused by ischaemic heart disease and stroke. While effective policies to reduce emissions at their sources are key, individual actions can also help to reduce exposure and health risks. This includes staying indoors, reducing outdoor air infiltration to indoors, using air filters, limiting physical exertion, and wearing respirators or masks in high-risk areas. Additionally, individuals can support cleaner transport, energy-efficient homes, and better waste management practices to collectively reduce outdoor air pollution.

Stay indoors, close windows and use air purifiers

One of the most effective ways to reduce exposure to air pollution is to stay indoors, close the windows, and use air purifiers. While this may not always be possible or desirable, it can significantly lower your risk of inhaling harmful pollutants, especially during periods of high air pollution.

Staying indoors is a recommended strategy by environmental protection agencies worldwide, especially on days when air pollution levels are dangerously high. By remaining indoors, you can reduce your exposure to ambient air pollutants, which typically have lower concentrations inside buildings. However, it's important to remember that infiltration rates can vary depending on building structures, indoor materials, ventilation systems, and ambient environmental conditions.

Closing windows is an essential part of reducing your exposure to outdoor air pollution. Even with closed windows, some pollutants can still infiltrate your indoor space, especially in areas with high levels of local smog or wildfire smoke. Closing the windows helps minimize the amount of outdoor air entering your home, reducing the concentration of pollutants you're exposed to.

To further enhance the effectiveness of closing windows, consider investing in air purifiers or air filtration systems. These devices are designed to improve indoor air quality by capturing and removing harmful particles that may have slipped through closed windows or cracks. Air purifiers with HEPA filters are particularly effective at trapping pollutants. Additionally, look for air purifiers that utilize carbon filters, as they can absorb volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air.

While air purifiers can be beneficial, it's important to exercise caution with certain types. Avoid using ozone-generating air purifiers, as they can create an inhalation hazard. The high levels of ozone needed to effectively clean the air can also be harmful to your health and may react with other chemicals in the air to create dangerous by-products. Remember to always follow the manufacturer's guidelines for proper use and maintenance of your air purifier, including regular replacement of filters to ensure optimal performance.

Avoid outdoor activities, especially near traffic

Air pollution is a major environmental health problem affecting everyone globally. Outdoor air pollution in both cities and rural areas was estimated to cause 4.2 million premature deaths worldwide per year in 2019. It is therefore important to take measures to reduce exposure to air pollution.

One way to reduce exposure to air pollution is to avoid outdoor activities, especially near traffic. Traffic emissions are the principal source of intra-urban variation in the concentrations of air pollutants in many cities. Measurements of outdoor air quality on roadways indicate that concentrations of ultrafine particles, black carbon, particle-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, nitric oxide, NO2, carbon monoxide, benzene, and formaldehyde are high and variable compared to ambient concentrations measured at background locations. Long-term exposure to traffic-related air pollution is associated with asthma onset in children and adults, lower respiratory tract infections in children, and premature death. Therefore, it is advisable to stay indoors and reduce outdoor air infiltration when the air quality is poor, especially if you are elderly, pregnant, or have a heart or lung condition, as these individuals are especially vulnerable to the potential effects of air pollution.

When staying indoors, it is important to reduce outdoor air infiltration and improve indoor air quality. This can be done by using air purifiers and changing the filters in air conditioners and air purifiers regularly. It is also recommended to use induction or electric stoves instead of gas stoves, as they avert indoor pollution and use less energy.

In addition to staying indoors, wearing a mask can help reduce exposure to air pollution when going outside. Cloth masks and surgical masks may help with larger particles, but only certain masks like N95s will filter fine particles. It is also important to be thoughtful about transportation and choose healthier alternatives to driving whenever possible, as global shipping and transportation contribute to air pollution.

While individual actions can help reduce exposure to air pollution, it is important to recognize that most sources of outdoor air pollution are beyond the control of individuals. Therefore, concerted action by local, national, and regional policymakers is necessary to implement successful policies and solid governance to address air pollution.

Wear respirators or masks

Wearing respirators or masks can help reduce exposure to air pollution. Respirators fit closely to your face and protect you by filtering particles out of the air you breathe. They also filter out droplets and particles that you exhale when breathing, coughing, or sneezing, preventing the spread of germs to others. Masks also filter out your exhaled breath to protect others. If a mask fits closely to your face, it also provides some protection from germs spread by others.

There are various types of respirators and masks available, and their effectiveness depends on the type of contaminant, filter or adsorbent material, respirator type, and conditions of use. Relatively inexpensive respirators with filter material for particulate matter are widely available, but no single absorbent or available combination of adsorbents can efficiently remove the various gas-phase air pollutants. Gaseous pollutants can be removed based on their physicochemical properties, such as reactivity, molecular weight, and volatility. For example, cloth masks and surgical masks may help with larger particles, but only certain masks like N95s will filter fine particles. N95 respirators have a protection factor of 5 and can filter out all but 5% of particles. While N95 masks do not remove harmful gases from the air, they can be combined with features such as activated charcoal, which also reduces exposure to gases.

Wearing a highly effective air pollution mask has been shown to help reduce the risk of exposure to airborne particulate matter and other pollutants, decreasing the chance of illness and death related to air pollution. A 2018 study in Beijing, China, suggests that smog masks with filtration equivalent to N95, KN95, or FFP2 were most effective for filtering particulate matter and diesel soot. Wearing air quality masks has also been proven effective for reducing the transmission of airborne COVID-19.

However, it is important to note that wearing a facemask to lessen air pollution exposure can be difficult for some people. Some may find them uncomfortable, feel that breathing is more difficult, or experience claustrophobia. Additionally, a facemask is only effective if it provides a good seal around the face. Men with beards or who are unshaven cannot achieve an adequately tight fit around the nose and mouth.

Reduce vehicle usage and opt for cleaner transport

Reducing vehicle usage and opting for cleaner forms of transportation are crucial steps in decreasing air pollution and safeguarding public health. Here are some measures that can be implemented to achieve these goals:

Public Transportation: Utilizing public transportation, such as buses, trains, and subways, is an effective way to reduce vehicle usage. This not only lowers an individual's carbon footprint but also contributes to decreased traffic congestion. According to statistics, a person switching from a 20-mile solo commute by car to public transportation can reduce their annual CO2 emissions by over 48,000 pounds. This equates to a significant 10% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions for a typical two-adult, two-car household. Public transportation also saves the U.S. the equivalent of 4.2 billion gallons of gasoline annually and reduces congestion costs.

Electric Vehicles: Embracing electric vehicles (EVs) is a pivotal step towards cleaner transportation. Electric cars produce zero tailpipe emissions, significantly reducing air pollution. In Maine, for instance, 99% of electric vehicle owners reported reliability, and 97% praised the ease and affordability of maintenance. Additionally, 56% of electric vehicle owners saved over $50 per month on gasoline. Federal funding is actively supporting the expansion of EV charging networks, making it more convenient for people to transition to electric cars.

Active Transportation: Encouraging active transportation, such as walking and cycling, is another strategy to reduce vehicle usage. This not only improves air quality but also promotes healthier lifestyles for individuals. Local governments can play a role by developing safe biking and walking trails, making it more appealing for people to opt for these cleaner modes of transportation.

Fuel-Efficient Vehicles: For those who cannot transition to electric vehicles, it is essential to prioritize fuel efficiency when purchasing a car. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides resources like the Green Vehicle Guide and the Fuel Economy and Environment Label to help consumers choose more efficient and less polluting vehicles. Cleaner-burning gasoline vehicles, for instance, can reduce air pollution without requiring a shift to electric power.

Reducing Idling: Unnecessary idling of cars, trucks, and buses contributes to air pollution, wastes fuel, and causes unnecessary engine wear. Modern vehicles do not require prolonged idling for warming up in cold weather. By avoiding unnecessary idling, individuals can play a part in reducing air pollution and saving money on fuel.

Choose energy-efficient appliances

Energy efficiency is one of the most effective ways to reduce air pollution. Energy-efficient appliances can significantly reduce air pollution and lower your carbon footprint. The average household has a larger carbon footprint than the average car, so choosing the right appliances can make a big difference.

Firstly, look for appliances with energy-saving settings. Many appliances now have an 'eco' setting that saves energy and water without compromising performance. When purchasing new appliances, consider the cost of operating the appliance, not just the upfront cost. Choose the right size for your needs, as a larger appliance will use more energy.

Secondly, be mindful of the type of appliance. Electric induction stoves are more energy efficient than gas stoves, for example. Inflatable hot tubs are more energy efficient than fitted tubs, as they use just a single blower and pump, and are only connected to power when in use.

Thirdly, consider the standards of the appliances. Federal and state governments have issued standards for energy efficiency in appliances, which have helped to reduce energy use and air pollution. As of 2024, 18 states had set efficiency rules for 22 types of appliances, including computers and televisions. These standards are projected to reduce overall national energy consumption by 10% between 2025 and 2035.

By choosing energy-efficient appliances, you can reduce your carbon footprint, lower your utility bills, and help improve air quality.

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