Protecting Yourself From Air Pollution While Exploring New Places

Air pollution is a crisis that affects many parts of the world, and it can be difficult to escape its harmful effects, especially while traveling. While you may not be able to control the outdoor air quality at your destination, there are several measures you can take to protect yourself from air pollution and its detrimental impacts on your health and well-being. From wearing masks to checking air quality forecasts, this article will explore simple yet effective ways to safeguard yourself from unhealthy air during your travels.

How to protect yourself from air pollution while traveling

Wear a mask: Opt for a good-quality, well-fitting mask that is certified to protect against air pollution

When travelling, you are exposed to different air quality levels, which can sometimes be harmful to your health. Face masks are a crucial tool for protection against air pollution, offering a barrier that filters out harmful particles and gases from the air.

It is important to opt for a good-quality, well-fitting mask that is certified to protect against air pollution. Look for masks that are recommended by public health agencies and that have been proven effective against harmful particles like PM2.5. The "95" in the model name means the mask filters out 95% of particles sized 0.3 microns. For travellers, N95, N99 and N100 masks should offer sufficient protection, but they do not protect from harmful gases. KN95 masks are also effective, as are FFP2 masks, which are comfortable and provide superior reduction of a wide range of airborne pollutants.

If you are travelling to a city with heavy traffic or a region affected by wildfires, a good-quality mask will provide adaptable and consistent protection. Masks can also help prevent allergies and enhance overall comfort, ensuring a safer and healthier travel experience.

It is worth noting that masks with exhaust valves, such as N95 and KN95 masks, can help with breathability and moisture reduction, but they will emit respiratory aerosols when you breathe out, which can be detrimental to those around you. Therefore, it is important to consider the environment and those around you when choosing a mask.

Check air quality: Research your destination's air quality and plan your trip to avoid times of high pollution

When travelling, it is important to research the air quality of your destination beforehand to protect yourself from the negative health impacts of air pollution. Poor air quality is a pervasive and growing problem for travellers, and it is important to be aware of the risks and take precautions.

You can find a city's Air Quality Index (AQI) on air-monitoring websites such as aqicn.org and Air Matters. This index indicates how polluted the air is, typically by measuring particulate matter, and explains the possible health implications. Some destinations have persistently poor air quality, while others are only affected at certain times of the year, such as by seasonal forest fires, dust storms, or monsoons. For example, East Asian countries are affected by Asian Dust in the spring, and New Delhi has particularly bad air quality in November and December. Therefore, it is important to research your destination's air quality and plan your trip to avoid times of annual peaks of pollution.

In addition to checking air-monitoring websites, you can also find AQI information on local radio and TV weather reports, in newspapers, and on websites like airnow.gov. If you are unable to access these sources, pay attention to your surroundings and any physical symptoms you may experience, such as coughing, sneezing, or headaches.

By researching your destination's air quality and planning your trip accordingly, you can help protect yourself from the negative health impacts of air pollution and ensure a more enjoyable travel experience.

Stay indoors: Minimise time spent outdoors during high pollution periods, especially if you have underlying health conditions

Staying indoors is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself from air pollution while travelling. This is especially important if you have underlying health conditions that make you more susceptible to the negative health effects of air pollution.

Firstly, it is important to understand the air quality at your location. You can do this by checking daily air pollution forecasts in your area, which are often colour-coded. Sources for these forecasts include local radio and TV weather reports, newspapers, and websites. Websites like aqicn.org and apps like AirVisual provide the Air Quality Index (AQI) of your location and explain the possible health implications of that level. This can help you decide whether to spend time outdoors and what kind of activities are safe. For instance, on days when the AQI levels are high, it is best to limit outdoor activities and keep windows shut, relying on air purifiers instead. On days with lower AQI levels, you can open the windows during mid-morning or early afternoon to let in fresh air and improve indoor ventilation.

Secondly, it is important to reduce your exposure to indoor air pollution. This can be done by identifying and removing sources of indoor pollution, improving ventilation, and using mechanical means to clean the indoor air, such as air purifiers.

Lastly, if you must spend time outdoors during high pollution periods, consider wearing a mask. Masks like N95, N99, and N100 can filter out fine particles in the air and protect you from inhaling them. However, it is important to note that these masks do not protect against harmful gases.

Reduce physical activity: Avoid strenuous exercise and consider switching to indoor workouts when pollution levels are high

When travelling, it is important to be aware of the air quality at your destination and take precautions to protect yourself from air pollution. One way to do this is by reducing physical activity and avoiding strenuous exercise when pollution levels are high.

Firstly, it is important to understand the air quality at your location. You can do this by checking the Air Quality Index (AQI) on websites like aqicn.org or AirNow.gov, which provide colour-coded charts indicating the level of pollution and the potential health implications. If the AQI is moderate or higher, it is recommended to avoid prolonged and intensive exercise, especially for those who are older or particularly sensitive to air pollution.

During periods of high air pollution, it is advisable to reduce or avoid strenuous physical activity. This includes activities such as running, cycling, or any form of exercise that increases the intensity of breathing. Instead, opt for indoor workouts or activities that require less physical exertion. For example, you could walk inside a shopping mall, use a gym, or practice yoga or stretching exercises in your accommodation. By reducing the intensity of your physical activity, you can decrease the volume of polluted air you inhale, thereby reducing the potential negative health effects.

It is worth noting that the relationship between exercise and air pollution is a complex area of study, with some research suggesting that healthy individuals engaging in moderate to high-intensity exercise outdoors experience fewer health effects from air pollution than when doing low-intensity exercise. However, for those with pre-existing conditions, such as respiratory or cardiovascular issues, even low-intensity activities like walking may intensify the negative impacts of air pollution. Therefore, it is crucial to consider your health status and consult with a healthcare professional before deciding whether to exercise outdoors during moderate to high-levels of air pollution.

In addition to checking the AQI, you can also take other measures to protect yourself from air pollution while travelling. This includes wearing masks that filter out particulate matter, such as N95, N99, or N100 masks, and choosing routes with low traffic emissions when walking or cycling. By combining these strategies, you can effectively reduce your exposure to air pollution and protect your health while travelling.

Protect your skin: Apply sunscreen and moisturiser to create a barrier between your skin and the pollution, and wash it off at the end of the day

When travelling, it's important to protect yourself from air pollution. One way to do this is by applying sunscreen and moisturiser to create a barrier between your skin and the pollution.

Firstly, let's talk about sunscreen. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. If you have fair skin, it's even more important to use a higher SPF, as you are more likely to absorb solar energy and burn. Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before sun exposure, and make sure to cover your entire face and body, avoiding the eyes and mouth. Reapply at least every two hours, and more often if you're swimming or sweating. Keep your skin's pH level in mind when choosing a sunscreen, as this can impact its effectiveness.

Now, let's discuss moisturisers. Moisturisers improve the skin barrier function and surface moisture content, preventing the negative effects of environmental aggressors. They also increase the levels of caspase 14, a marker of skin barrier function, and beneficial commensal microorganisms, which enhance skin barrier integrity. Look for moisturisers with ingredients like oils, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid, which help to protect and hydrate the skin.

In addition to sunscreen and moisturiser, there are other ways to protect your skin when travelling. Consider wearing protective clothing, such as lightweight long-sleeved shirts and pants, and a wide-brimmed hat. Avoid going outside during peak UV hours, usually between 10 am and 4 pm, and be extra cautious if you're in an area with high air pollution levels. Check the Air Quality Index (AQI) of your destination before you travel, and consider using an air quality monitor to check real-time air quality during your trip.

Finally, don't forget to wash your skin at the end of the day to remove any pollutants and sunscreen residue. Use a gentle cleanser, and follow up with a moisturiser to restore and protect your skin.

Frequently asked questions