Protecting Yourself From Air Pollution: Masks And Air Purifiers

Air pollution is a serious global health problem that requires collective action to control emissions of primary and secondary air pollutants. While waiting for systemic change, individuals can take steps to protect themselves and their families from the dangers of air pollution. This includes checking daily air pollution forecasts and taking appropriate action, such as limiting outdoor exercise and reducing energy use. Vulnerable individuals, including the elderly, young, pregnant, and those with underlying health conditions, should be especially cautious.

Limit outdoor exercise when pollution levels are high

While physical activity is important for health, air pollution can have harmful effects on your lungs, especially during exercise when you breathe more air at a faster rate. Therefore, it is important to limit outdoor exercise when pollution levels are high.

To know when to limit outdoor exercise, you can check the daily air pollution forecasts in your area. These are often colour-coded and can be found on local radio and TV weather reports, in newspapers, and online at websites like airnow.gov. You can also sign up for alerts and check the forecast for the next day. The best time to exercise outdoors is when your city's Air Quality Index (AQI) is between 0 and 50, which means the air quality is "satisfactory" and there is minimal risk of air pollution. Moderate AQI levels, from 51 to 100, are mostly acceptable, but the present pollution could pose a problem for those with chronic health conditions or who are more sensitive to pollution. If the AQI is above 100, outdoor exercise is no longer encouraged.

If you notice several bad air quality days in a row, you might want to check how your air quality is overall. The American Lung Association's annual "State of the Air" report grades counties and ranks cities based on their ozone and particle pollution over a three-year period. The report also notes the cleanest cities for air pollution and those with the highest pollution levels, allowing you to compare how your city is doing in relation to others.

On days when the air pollution levels are high, you can move your workout indoors. This could include walking in a shopping mall, using a gym, or doing a home workout. If you do choose to exercise outdoors, try to find areas with lower pollution levels and avoid exercising near high-traffic areas, as the vehicles on busy highways can create high pollution levels nearby.

Reduce energy use at home

Reducing your energy use at home is a great way to improve air quality, curb greenhouse gas emissions, and save money.

Firstly, identify the sources of indoor pollution. Common sources of indoor air pollution include fireplaces, home cookstoves, and gas, coal, or biomass fuels. Once you've identified the sources of pollution, you can work to remove or reduce them. For example, switch to electric or hand-powered lawn equipment instead of gas-powered options. Turn off electrical appliances when not in use, and opt for energy-efficient appliances and heating systems. Get an energy audit and follow the advice to make your home more energy-efficient.

Consider setting your thermostat a little higher in the summer and a little lower in the winter to conserve electricity. Participate in local energy conservation programs, and look for the ENERGY STAR label when buying home or office equipment. Use environmentally safe paints and cleaning products whenever possible, and properly seal cleaners, paints, and other chemicals to prevent evaporation into the air.

Another way to reduce energy use at home is to limit the use of air conditioning, which increases with higher temperatures. When it's hot outside, stay indoors and close the windows while using air conditioners and fans to keep cool. Alternatively, opt for a renewable energy plan to reduce your fossil fuel use and combat climate change.

Avoid burning wood or trash

Burning wood and trash is a major source of particle pollution. Smoke from burning wood and trash releases toxic gases and particulate matter, which are harmful to human health and the environment. The particulate matter and toxic gases released during burning can cause eye and nose irritation, breathing difficulties, coughing, and headaches. People with heart disease, asthma, emphyseema, or other respiratory diseases are especially vulnerable to these air pollutants.

The small particles in wood smoke can worsen heart conditions by preventing oxygen from reaching tissues. Asthma and other breathing difficulties may increase in adults or children who are exposed to smoke. Other health problems aggravated by burning include lung infections, such as acute pneumonia and bronchiolitis, and allergies.

The smoke contains vapours and toxic chemicals such as nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), and polycyclic organic matter (POMs). Burning plastic and treated wood also releases heavy metals and other toxic chemicals like dioxin. These toxic chemicals can accumulate in the fats of animals and then in humans as we consume meat, fish, and dairy products.

To avoid the harmful effects of burning wood or trash, it is important to follow state and local burning laws. For example, Wisconsin Administrative Code NR 429.04 prohibits burning residential trash, such as garbage, plastic, or old furniture, or construction material, such as treated wood products or particle board. It is also important to only burn clean, dry wood with lots of oxygen, as this can greatly reduce air pollution and smoke. New U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved wood stoves and fireplaces are also designed to reduce the level of air pollution.

Use environmentally-safe paints and cleaning products

Paint is a leading cause of VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which include benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, toluene, and ethylene glycol. VOCs are released into the air when paint is wet, and they can cause poor air quality and adverse health effects such as headaches, dizziness, visual and respiratory impairment, and even memory loss. Therefore, it is essential to opt for eco-friendly, nontoxic, and zero-VOC paint options. These paints are made without the harsh chemicals found in conventional paints, and they do not release harmful VOCs into the air. Some trusted brands that offer eco-friendly paints include ECOS Paints, The Organic & Natural Paint Co., and Benjamin Moore. These companies prioritize the use of sustainable and natural ingredients, safe production processes, and give-back programs to promote a healthier planet.

In addition to eco-friendly paints, it is also important to consider using environmentally safe cleaning products. Conventional cleaning products can contain chemicals that are harmful to both your health and the environment. Opt for natural, non-toxic cleaning products that are free of harsh chemicals. You can even make your own cleaning solutions using ingredients such as vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils.

Another way to reduce your impact on air pollution is to use less energy in your home. Generating electricity and other sources of energy can create air pollution. You can help improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by choosing energy-efficient appliances and heating systems, turning off electrical appliances when not in use, and following energy-saving tips from organizations like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Furthermore, you can make a difference by supporting local businesses, city offices, and school districts in their efforts to reduce air pollution and become more sustainable. For example, encourage your child's school to reduce exposure to school bus emissions by not allowing buses to idle outside and transitioning to zero-emission buses.

By making conscious choices and advocating for change, you can contribute to improving air quality and creating a healthier environment for yourself and others.

Opt for a 100% renewable energy plan

Opting for a 100% renewable energy plan is an effective way to prevent air pollution and its adverse health effects. While the idea of a complete transition to renewable energy might seem idealistic, it is technically practicable, economically feasible, and socially viable.

The benefits of a global shift to renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydropower are significant. Firstly, it addresses climate change, pollution, and other environmental issues. By reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, we can decrease air pollution and improve the air quality we breathe, which has a direct impact on our health and the planet. This is especially crucial in urban areas, where pollution levels are often higher and can negatively affect the respiratory health of residents.

Secondly, renewable energy sources offer economic advantages. According to Amory Lovins, combining reduced energy use with energy efficiency gains could result in substantial savings and a faster-growing economy. Similarly, a study published in 2015 estimated that transitioning to 100% renewable energy in the United States by 2050 would save around $600 billion in annual health costs due to reduced air pollution and $3.3 trillion in global warming costs. This equates to yearly cost savings of about $8300 per person compared to a business-as-usual scenario.

Lastly, renewable energy sources provide energy security and sustainability. Solar energy technologies, for example, offer an inexhaustible and mostly import-independent resource, reducing a country's reliance on finite fossil fuels and potentially lowering fossil fuel prices.

While there are differing opinions on the timeline for such a transition, with some researchers projecting 27% renewable energy by 2050, it is clear that a future powered by 100% renewable energy is not only desirable but also achievable. Individuals can support this transition by advocating for policies that prioritize renewable energy, supporting initiatives like the Small Business Environmental Assistance Program, and making personal choices that reduce energy consumption and promote energy efficiency.

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