Breathing Polluted Air: Tips For Staying Safe And Healthy

Air pollution is a serious issue that can have detrimental effects on human health. It is caused by various factors, including vehicle emissions, construction equipment, industrial sources, and natural phenomena such as wildfires. The impact of air pollution is evident in the form of respiratory problems, lung damage, and an increased risk of asthma and other lung conditions. With the recognition of this global issue, individuals are seeking ways to protect themselves from polluted air and reduce their contribution to it. This involves adopting environmentally conscious habits, such as reducing car usage, opting for energy-efficient alternatives, and advocating for cleaner air through policy changes. Understanding and addressing air pollution is crucial for safeguarding the well-being of individuals and communities.

Check daily air pollution forecasts in your area

Checking the daily air pollution forecast in your area is a great way to prepare and take precautions for breathing in polluted air. There are several tools and platforms available to help you monitor and forecast air pollution levels in your locality. These tools use sensors and weather data to provide real-time air quality data and forecasts.

One such platform is AirNow.gov, which provides an interactive map and an Air Quality Index (AQI) calculator. The map displays current air quality data for ozone or particulate matter (PM), with the highest value between the two pollutants shown for each monitor and contour. You can also access historical data by using the Archive Date picker to choose a specific date and view the AQI for that day.

Another option is Airly, a Polish company with a stated mission to increase awareness about the quality of the air people breathe. Airly offers an Air Quality Map that uses a network of sensors to monitor and forecast air pollution. Their platform provides historical data from the last 24 hours and an air quality forecast for the next 24 hours. You can access this information through their web platform or mobile applications for iOS and Android.

Additionally, AccuWeather provides air quality data and forecasts for specific locations, such as New York, NY. While their data is intended to be accurate, it may not have undergone a formal quality assurance review. AccuWeather presents real-time information, including the current index, forecast, and daily and hourly air quality data. It's important to note that all air quality monitoring is subject to equipment limitations and fluctuations, which can lead to inaccurate readings.

By utilising these tools and regularly checking the air pollution forecasts for your area, you can make informed decisions about outdoor activities, take necessary precautions, and breathe more easily, even in polluted air conditions.

Limit outdoor exercise when pollution levels are high

It is important to limit outdoor exercise when pollution levels are high, especially for those who are more susceptible to the effects of air pollution. This includes children, adults over 65, people with chronic heart or lung disease, pregnant women, and people with diabetes.

Checking daily air pollution forecasts for your area is a good way to stay informed about the air quality. Local radio and TV weather reports, newspapers, and websites like AirNow.gov provide color-coded forecasts that indicate the air quality in your community. When the air quality is orange, red, purple, or maroon, it is recommended to reduce the time spent outdoors.

On days with high pollution levels, it is advisable to move your workout indoors. This could include walking inside a shopping mall or using a gym instead of exercising outdoors. Even if the overall air quality is good, it is recommended to avoid exercising near high-traffic areas, as vehicles on busy highways can create high local pollution levels.

Additionally, it is important to be mindful of the sources of air pollution and take steps to reduce your contribution. Vehicle emissions are a major source of air pollution, so consider driving less, carpooling, or using electric vehicles. Other sources of pollution include construction equipment, lawnmowers, dry cleaners, backyard fires, and auto-body shops. By being mindful of these sources and making small changes, we can help improve the air quality and protect our health.

Reduce energy consumption at home

Reducing energy consumption at home can help to lower your bills and benefit the environment by reducing your household's carbon emissions. Here are some ways to reduce energy consumption at home:

Heating and Insulation

• Lower your thermostat and turn down radiators in empty rooms.
• Insulate your hot water tank to prevent heat loss and save energy.
• Insulate your home to keep the warmth in and save energy. Even small changes can make a difference, such as putting insulation behind radiators.
• Replace single-glazed windows with double-glazed windows to reduce heat loss and save on heating bills.
• Use window film to help keep heat in if replacing windows is not an option.
• Turn down the flow temperature on your combi boiler to 60°C or below to reduce energy waste and save money on your heating bill.

Appliances

• Choose energy-efficient appliances with an 'A' rating, which are the most energy-efficient and cost less to run.
• Replace light bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs.
• Turn off electrical appliances when not in use, and unplug them if possible.
• Use your washing machine on a 30-degree cycle instead of higher temperatures, and reduce usage by one run per week.
• Avoid using a tumble dryer for your clothes. Instead, dry them on racks inside or outside in warmer weather.
• Limit your shower time to just 4 minutes to save energy on water heating.
• Reduce your dishwasher usage by one run per week to save energy and money.

Other Tips

• Get an energy audit and follow the advice to make your home more energy-efficient.
• Use smart thermostats and heating controls to set your heating and hot water to come on only when you need them.
• Sign up for a smart meter to monitor your energy usage and use energy more efficiently.

Avoid indoor air pollution triggers

To avoid indoor air pollution triggers, it is important to identify the sources of pollution within your home. Some common sources of indoor air pollution include second-hand cigarette smoke, mould and mildew, pet dander, dust mites, and various cleaning products. Here are some ways to reduce your exposure to indoor air pollution triggers:

Ventilate Your Home

Opening windows and improving ventilation is a simple yet effective way to lower indoor air pollution levels. This strategy allows inside air to escape and draws in fresh outdoor air, diluting pollutants and reducing humidity. However, be mindful of outdoor pollution levels, as opening windows during high-pollution days may have the opposite effect.

Ban Smoking Indoors

Second-hand cigarette smoke is a significant indoor air pollutant and a known cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers. Ensure that your home has a strict no-smoking policy to protect yourself and your family from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke.

Minimize Carpeted Areas

Carpets can trap various pollutants, such as dust mites, pet dander, mould spores, and other allergens. Opt for hard-surface flooring instead, as it is easier to clean and less likely to harbour allergens and pollutants.

Vacuum Regularly

Vacuuming with a microfiber dusting cloth can effectively capture dust, allergens, and pollutants. Vacuuming is especially important for pet owners to reduce the amount of pet dander and hair in the air. Avoid brooms, as they can stir up more dust.

Use Natural Cleaning Products

Conventional cleaning products often contain harmful chemicals that contribute to indoor air pollution. Switch to natural, green cleaning products made with ingredients like white vinegar, baking soda, borax, citrus fruit, or essential oils. These natural alternatives effectively clean surfaces while reducing indoor air pollution.

Maintain a Dry Environment

Moisture can promote the growth of mould and mildew, which are common indoor air pollutants. Use a dehumidifier and regularly clean its filter to reduce moisture levels in your home, especially in areas like the kitchen and bathroom, where mould and mildew commonly occur.

Store Chemicals Safely

Keep solvents, glues, and pesticides away from living areas to minimize their impact on indoor air quality. Opt for homemade cleaning products or natural alternatives when possible to reduce the presence of chemicals in your home.

Consider an Air Purifier

While an air purifier alone may not eliminate all indoor air impurities, it can be beneficial in conjunction with other pollution-reducing strategies. Air purifiers with special filters can be particularly useful for individuals with respiratory conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), to reduce symptoms and improve indoor air quality.

Use air purifiers to improve indoor air quality

Poor indoor air quality can have a range of health consequences, from irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat to headaches, dizziness, and asthma attacks. It is also linked to respiratory and heart disease and may have cognitive impacts. As such, it is important to take steps to improve indoor air quality, such as using air purifiers.

Air purifiers can help to remove airborne particles such as smoke, dust, pollen, mold spores, and germs. They can also capture other pollutants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), formaldehyde, and pollen. The CDC suggests using an air purifier with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to effectively reduce the spread of viral particles and capture other pollutants.

When choosing an air purifier, look for one with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, as recommended by the CDC. The California Air Resources Board has a certification program for air cleaners, which can be a helpful resource when selecting a purifier. If you have an air conditioner, consider swapping out the default filter for a better one with a MERV rating of at least 13.

It is important to note that air purifiers should be used in conjunction with other strategies to improve indoor air quality. This includes reducing or removing sources of indoor air pollutants, such as those from cooking, cleaning, secondhand smoke, building materials, and consumer products. Additionally, ventilating your home by opening windows or using HVAC systems can help lower indoor air pollution levels.

By using air purifiers and implementing other strategies to improve indoor air quality, you can help protect yourself and your family from the harmful effects of indoor air pollution.

Frequently asked questions