Protecting Yourself From Air Pollution: A Guide

Air pollution is a pressing environmental issue that poses significant health risks. In 2019, an estimated 4.2 million premature deaths worldwide were attributed to outdoor air pollution, emphasizing the urgency of addressing this problem. While policy changes are crucial in mitigating air pollution, individual actions also play a vital role in reducing exposure and health risks. This includes staying indoors and limiting physical activity during high pollution levels, using air filters, and adopting cleaner transportation options. Additionally, individuals can contribute by reducing energy consumption, choosing energy-efficient appliances, and advocating for sustainable practices in their communities. Being mindful of air quality alerts and taking precautions during wildfires or extreme weather conditions that impact air quality are also essential steps to safeguard against the harmful effects of air pollution.

Stay indoors when air pollution is high, and limit physical exertion

Staying indoors and limiting physical activity are effective ways to reduce your exposure to air pollution. When air pollution levels are high, it is advisable to stay indoors as much as possible, especially if you are part of a vulnerable group, such as the elderly, children, or individuals with respiratory conditions.

Staying Indoors

When air pollution is high, staying indoors can provide a layer of protection from the harmful effects of pollutants. This is especially important for vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly, young children, and people with heart or lung conditions. By remaining inside, you reduce your direct exposure to outdoor pollutants, such as particulate matter and harmful gases.

However, it's important to remember that indoor air quality also matters. Indoor pollution sources, such as combustion from cooking, central heating, or household products, can contribute to poor indoor air quality. Therefore, ensuring proper ventilation is crucial. Open windows and doors to increase natural ventilation and dilute indoor emissions. You can also use fans or air conditioners to improve air circulation and remove contaminants.

Limiting Physical Exertion

Limiting physical exertion during periods of high air pollution is essential for everyone, especially those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. Strenuous physical activity can increase the amount of air you inhale, leading to a higher intake of pollutants. This can exacerbate existing health conditions or trigger new respiratory issues.

If you must exercise, opt for indoor activities or facilities, such as indoor gyms or shopping malls, where the air quality is likely to be better. If you have children, limit their outdoor playtime during periods of unhealthy air quality. Even if the air quality is generally good, avoid exercising near high-traffic areas, as vehicles on busy highways can significantly contribute to local pollution levels.

By staying indoors and reducing physical activity during periods of high air pollution, you can effectively minimize your exposure to harmful pollutants and protect your health.

Use air conditioning and close windows to reduce indoor air pollution

While air conditioning can be used to improve indoor air quality, it is important to understand the conditions under which this is advisable. If you are experiencing symptoms such as coughing, stinging eyes, an irritated throat, a runny nose, wheezing, or shortness of breath, your indoor air quality may be compromised by outdoor air pollution. In such cases, it is recommended to reduce the airflow of outside air into your space. This can be achieved by closing windows and doors, and using portable air purifiers or high-efficiency filters to target fine particles.

To ensure the effectiveness of your air conditioning in improving indoor air quality, it is crucial to maintain your HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system regularly. Contamination by mould and bacteria can occur if the system is not cleaned regularly. Additionally, consider replacing AC filters that may be impacted by excessive wildfire smoke or other local air pollution events. For those with a central HVAC that uses fresh air intake, it is advisable to close it and set the system to recirculate indoor air.

It is worth noting that the benefits of using air conditioning to improve indoor air quality depend on the type of AC unit you own. When dealing with extremely poor air quality, staying indoors and using air conditioning can help minimize some of the health risks associated with outdoor smoke pollution. However, it is important to prioritize recirculating indoor air rather than relying solely on the intake of fresh outside air, which may be polluted.

While closing windows and using air conditioning can be a strategy to reduce indoor air pollution, it is not the only approach. One way to improve indoor air quality is to eliminate individual sources of pollution or reduce their emissions. For example, gas stoves can be adjusted to decrease emissions, and sources containing asbestos can be sealed or enclosed. Additionally, activities such as smoking, burning candles, and using a gas stove should be avoided, as they can contribute to indoor air pollution.

Use public transport, walk, or cycle for short journeys

Using public transport, walking, or cycling for shorter journeys is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and improve the air quality in your area. In the UK, transport is responsible for 24% of total greenhouse emissions, with 52% of these emissions coming from passenger cars. By switching to more active forms of travel, you can help reduce air pollution and improve your health.

Walking is a great option for shorter journeys, as it increases your physical activity and reduces your carbon emissions. If you live in an area with access to public transport and your workplace is within walking distance, consider walking to and from work to get your daily dose of exercise. You can also break up your public transport commute with a short walk at the beginning or end of your journey.

Cycling is another excellent option for short journeys. It is a more energy-efficient way to travel than cars and can help you stay fit and healthy. If you are interested in cycling but do not own a bicycle, consider signing up for a bike-sharing scheme or speaking to your employer about the Cycle to Work Scheme, which can help you get a quality bike and gear at a more affordable price.

Public transport is ideal for longer journeys or when walking or cycling are not feasible options. It produces fewer emissions per person than individual motorized transport, making it a more environmentally-friendly choice. By choosing public transport, you can help reduce air pollution, traffic congestion, and noise pollution in your area.

By combining walking, cycling, and public transport for your daily commute or short trips, you can play a crucial role in improving air quality and creating a more sustainable future for yourself and your community.

Avoid gas-powered lawn equipment and opt for electric or hand-powered tools

Gas-powered lawn equipment, such as lawnmowers, leaf blowers, and snow blowers, can be extremely noisy and harmful to the environment. Small engines like these often lack pollution control devices, and an hour of running a lawnmower can produce nearly the same amount of pollution as a 100-mile car trip.

To ensure you are being safe about air pollution, it is best to avoid gas-powered lawn equipment and opt for electric or hand-powered tools. Electric lawn equipment is quieter and reduces emissions, although it does raise concerns about battery waste and power demands. While electric tools may be more expensive upfront, they can save you money on fuel and maintenance in the long term. You can also take advantage of rebates and waivers offered by local governments to help with the transition.

If you are a business owner, you should invest in extra batteries, train your staff on electric tools, and test the equipment early to ensure a smooth transition. For residents, it is important to research tools with good battery life and consider backup batteries if you have a larger yard.

While zero-emission equipment may not be powerful or durable enough for professional use yet, the technology is evolving rapidly. It is only a matter of time before electric tools become more affordable and accessible. In the meantime, you can also opt for hand-powered lawn tools, which are a cheaper and more sustainable alternative to gas-powered equipment.

By making the switch to electric or hand-powered lawn equipment, you can help improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and protect your health and the environment.

Conserve electricity and choose energy-efficient appliances

Conserving electricity and choosing energy-efficient appliances are crucial steps in reducing air pollution and its associated negative impacts on ecosystems. Here are some detailed ways to achieve this:

Conserve Electricity

• Turn off appliances, lights, and equipment when not in use. Traditional incandescent light bulbs consume excessive electricity, so consider replacing them with energy-efficient alternatives like halogen incandescent bulbs, compact fluorescent lights (CFLs), or light-emitting diode bulbs (LEDs).
• Unplug appliances when they are not in use to prevent "phantom energy" or "vampire energy" consumption. This refers to the electricity used by electronics when they are turned off or in standby mode.
• Adjust your thermostat settings. In winter, keep your home heated to 68°F during the day and 60°F at night, and use extra blankets and sweaters instead of turning up the heat. In summer, dress cool and use your air conditioner less to save energy and costs.
• Use energy-intensive appliances less frequently by opting for manual household tasks. For example, hang-dry your clothes instead of using a dryer, or wash dishes by hand.
• Improve the insulation in your home. Window shades, shutters, screens, and awnings can provide an extra layer of insulation, reducing heat exchange and leading to better energy management.

Choose Energy-Efficient Appliances

• Look for the Energy Star label. This government-backed symbol guarantees that products and appliances consume less energy than standard models. Energy Star-certified products can include refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, washing machines, heat pumps, air conditioners, and light bulbs.
• Consider investing in smart power strips or smart thermostats. These can help eliminate phantom loads by shutting off power to electronics when they are not in use or based on assigned schedules.
• When purchasing appliances, consider both the initial purchase price and the annual operating cost. While energy-efficient appliances might have higher upfront costs, they typically result in lower monthly utility bills due to reduced energy consumption.

Frequently asked questions