Breathing Easy: Strategies To Avoid Delhi's Air Pollution

Delhi is the most polluted capital city in the world, with air pollution causing one in eight deaths in India. The air pollution in Delhi is so severe that it has been labelled hazardous and is detrimental to the health of anyone exposed. With pollution levels reaching as high as 339.5 μg/m³, the people of Delhi are at risk of lung cancer, stroke, heart disease, and other illnesses. To avoid air pollution in Delhi, residents are advised to use N95/99 masks when outside and to avoid outdoor exercise when pollution levels are high. Additionally, the use of air purifiers and indoor plants can help reduce exposure to harmful pollutants.

Avoid outdoor exercise when pollution levels are high

Delhi is the most polluted capital city in the world, with air pollution causing one in eight deaths in India. The poor air quality in Delhi is caused by thermal power plants, vehicle pollution, industrial emissions, and the burning of wood and dirty fuels for cooking and heating.

High pollution levels can cause a range of health issues, from coughing and throat irritation to lung infections and other respiratory problems. Even healthy people with no history of respiratory issues are reporting lung infections due to the increased pollution levels. Those with pre-existing health conditions, such as asthma, are at an even greater risk.

To avoid exposure to high levels of pollution, it is recommended to avoid outdoor exercise when pollution levels are high. Here are some tips to help you avoid outdoor exercise during such times:

• Check air quality reports and forecasts: Stay informed about the air quality in your area by checking air quality reports and forecasts. Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) often exceeds healthy levels, and it is important to be mindful of this before planning any outdoor activities.
• Replace outdoor workouts with indoor alternatives: Opt for indoor workouts at a gym or at home when the air quality is poor. This allows you to maintain your fitness routine while minimising your exposure to pollutants.
• Choose the right time and location for outdoor exercise: If you must exercise outdoors, choose a time when pollution levels are typically lower, such as early mornings. However, be aware that pollution tends to peak during early morning walks. Select locations away from major traffic intersections and industrial areas, as parks and green spaces tend to have better air quality due to the presence of trees, which act as natural air filters.
• Prioritise your health and be mindful of symptoms: Always put your health first. If you experience any respiratory symptoms like coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath during outdoor exercise, stop immediately and seek medical advice if necessary.
• Use protective gear: If you choose to exercise outdoors, invest in a high-quality pollution mask, such as an N95/99 mask, designed to filter out fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and other pollutants. Ensure that the mask fits snugly over the bridge of your nose and covers your nose and mouth.
• Adapt your exercise routine: If you decide to exercise outdoors during high pollution levels, consider shorter, more intense workouts instead of prolonged sessions to minimise your exposure to pollutants. Reduce the intensity and volume of your workouts, and avoid HIIT or high-intensity interval training, as these require a lot more air and oxygen.

By following these guidelines, you can help protect yourself from the harmful effects of air pollution and maintain your health and fitness.

Wear N95/99 masks when outside

Delhi is one of the most polluted cities in India, with air pollution causing one in eight deaths. The air quality in Delhi is so poor that it is hazardous to health, with the concentration of particulate matter (PM2.5) being nearly 10 times higher than the World Health Organization's guidelines.

To protect yourself from the harmful effects of air pollution in Delhi, it is recommended to wear an N95 or N99 mask when outside. These masks are designed to filter out small particulate matter from the air you breathe, with N95 masks filtering out 95% of PM2.5 particles and N99 masks filtering out 99% or more of non-oil-based particles.

When choosing an N95 or N99 mask, consider the following:

• Filter size: Look for a mask that can filter out particles smaller than 2.5 microns, as these are both damaging and dangerous.
• Fit: Ensure the mask fits snugly over the bridge of your nose and covers your nose and mouth completely. A proper fit is critical to ensuring the mask's effectiveness.
• Usage: N95 and N99 masks are ideally disposable and meant for single-use, especially when dealing with pathogens. However, for pollution, they can be reused a few times until they start to change colour or show signs of residue.

It is important to note that while N95 and N99 masks offer significant protection against air pollution, they may not be suitable for everyone. For example, individuals with claustrophobia may find them uncomfortable, and they are not recommended for strenuous physical activity as they can make breathing more difficult.

Use air purifiers indoors

Delhi is one of the world's most polluted cities, with air pollution causing one in eight deaths. The air pollution in the city has drastically affected visibility and health, with residents experiencing coughing, sneezing, throat irritation, and burning eyes.

Using air purifiers indoors is one way to protect yourself from the harmful effects of air pollution in Delhi. Air purifiers can help reduce indoor pollution, especially during times of high AQI levels. While they cannot directly improve outdoor air quality, they are designed to eliminate the harmful particles that enter your home from the polluted air outside.

When choosing an air purifier, look for one with a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter and activated carbon filters. These filters can capture tiny particles such as dust, pollen, pet dander, PM2.5, and VOCs (volatile organic compounds), as well as bacteria and viruses. The HEPA filter is particularly effective, capturing up to 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. Some air purifiers also have additional features like UV-C light, which can help kill bacteria, viruses, and mould spores, further improving indoor air quality.

It is important to note that air purifiers require regular filter replacements, especially in highly polluted areas like Delhi, to ensure optimal performance. The cost of replacement filters should be considered as a part of the maintenance of the device. Additionally, air purifiers can be noisy, especially at higher fan speeds, so choosing a model with quiet operation is essential if you plan to use it in spaces where noise levels matter, such as bedrooms, living rooms, or offices.

While air purifiers can be beneficial, they should be used in conjunction with other measures to avoid air pollution in Delhi. This includes wearing N95/99 masks when stepping outdoors and trying to minimise time spent outdoors, especially during periods of high pollution, to reduce exposure to harmful air and contaminants.

Avoid high-VOC products

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects. They are emitted by thousands of products, including paints, varnishes, wax, cleaning products, disinfectants, cosmetics, degreasers, hobby products, and fuels. VOCs are also released from building materials, fittings, surface coverings, and treatments such as glues, paints, and sealants.

To avoid high-VOC products, look for water-based or plant-based alternatives to chemical products. For example, instead of using a chemical cleaner, opt for a natural, plant-based alternative. When purchasing paints, varnishes, or other coatings, choose products with low or no VOC content. Check the label to ensure that the product is certified as low-VOC or VOC-free.

It is important to increase ventilation when using products that emit VOCs. Open windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate and dilute the concentration of VOCs. If possible, perform tasks that involve VOCs outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. For example, when painting, sanding, or using chemical cleaners, make sure the area is well-ventilated to reduce your exposure to VOCs.

Additionally, store VOC-containing products properly when not in use. Keep them in a sealed container or in a well-ventilated storage area to prevent the build-up of VOCs in your home. Also, be mindful of the number of VOC-emitting products you use simultaneously. Try to avoid using multiple VOC-emitting products at the same time, as this can increase your exposure to these compounds.

By taking these measures to avoid high-VOC products and increase ventilation, you can help reduce your exposure to harmful compounds and improve your indoor air quality, which is especially important in highly polluted areas such as Delhi.

Support government initiatives to reduce air pollution

The Indian government has launched several initiatives to reduce air pollution, and citizens can play a crucial role in supporting these efforts. Here are some ways to do so:

Support the National Clean Air Program:

The Indian government has launched the National Clean Air Program, a comprehensive initiative to reduce particulate matter pollution. The program aims to reduce particulate matter pollution by 30% by 2024. Citizens can support this initiative by staying informed about its goals and progress, advocating for its effective implementation, and pushing for stronger air quality laws and policy enforcement.

Promote the Use of Clean Energy:

India is undergoing a solar-energy revolution, with projects like the 750 MW Rewa Solar Project in Madhya Pradesh. This project helps reduce the Delhi Metro's dependence on coal, resulting in significant emissions reductions. Citizens can encourage the government to continue investing in and promoting clean energy sources like solar power.

Engage with Government Initiatives:

The government has undertaken various awareness and engagement initiatives, such as the State of the Air in India report and the Sesame Workshop India Trust survey. Citizens can actively participate in such initiatives by sharing their concerns, contributing air quality data, and engaging with local leaders to push for change.

Collaborate with Businesses:

Businesses have a crucial role in tackling air pollution. The Clean Air Fund, for instance, has partnered with major Indian businesses like Wipro and Mahindra Group to form the Clean Air Alliance. Supporting and engaging with such business initiatives can help drive collective action and innovation to reduce air pollution.

Work with Healthcare Professionals:

The Clean Air Fund has focused on empowering healthcare professionals and amplifying their voices in the clean air movement. Citizens can support this initiative by engaging with healthcare providers, sharing information about the health impacts of air pollution, and advocating for preventative measures and policies.

By actively engaging with and supporting these government initiatives, citizens of Delhi can play a vital role in reducing air pollution and improving the health and well-being of their communities.

Frequently asked questions