Breathing Easy: Tips For Surviving Air Pollution

Air pollution is a significant environmental threat, causing millions of premature deaths each year. In 2019, air pollution was responsible for nearly 4.5 million premature deaths, with indoor air pollution causing an additional 2 million. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 99% of the global population breathes air that exceeds their guideline limits on healthy air. This is due to various sources, including household combustion devices, motor vehicles, industrial facilities, and forest fires. With air pollution being a pressing issue in many countries, what can be done to mitigate its harmful effects and improve air quality?

Wear a mask: In heavily polluted areas, masks can help protect your respiratory health

Air pollution is one of the deadliest environmental threats, causing millions of premature deaths each year. It can affect almost every organ and system in the body, with particularly harmful effects on the lungs and heart. In heavily polluted areas, wearing a mask can help protect your respiratory health by reducing your risk of exposure to harmful particles and gases.

The effectiveness of masks in reducing exposure to air pollution depends on several factors, including the type of pollutant, the mask itself, and how it is used. Simple paper dust masks are generally ineffective against air pollution, as they do not provide a tight seal and have limited filtration capabilities. However, inexpensive HEPA filter masks, such as N95 respirators, can be highly effective in filtering out fine particles. These masks have a protection factor of 5, meaning they can filter out all but 5% of particles. While they do not remove harmful gases, they can be combined with features like activated charcoal to reduce gas exposure.

It is important to choose the right type of mask for your needs. Masks with directed outflow through exhaust valves can help reduce moisture buildup from condensation. Masks with a good seal are also crucial, as they ensure a comfortable and tight fit against the contour of your face. Additionally, masks that filter out allergens, airborne viruses, and wildfire smoke, such as KN95/FFP2 masks, are recommended for protection against air pollution. These masks are internationally recognized for their ability to filter up to 95% of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns in size.

During periods of poor air quality, wearing a mask can also help reduce your risk of exposure to infectious diseases, such as COVID-19. Studies have shown that mask mandates can significantly reduce the transmission of airborne diseases, even if the masks offer limited protection against air pollution. While wearing a mask is just one measure to protect your health in heavily polluted areas, it is an important step towards safeguarding your respiratory well-being.

Monitor air quality: Use real-time air pollution maps and indexes to check pollution levels

When living in or visiting a country with poor air quality, it is important to monitor air quality regularly to protect your health. Air pollution is a major health problem, causing millions of premature deaths each year, and affecting almost every organ and system in the body.

There are several real-time air pollution maps and indexes that can help you check pollution levels and stay informed. These tools can help you understand the current air quality in your area and make informed decisions about your activities and health. Here are some ways to monitor air quality:

• Use online platforms such as AirNow.gov, which provides an interactive map with real-time air quality data for the US, Canada, and Mexico. The map includes information on ozone, PM2.5, and PM10 pollutants, and you can click on specific locations to get detailed NowCast AQI and raw concentration data. The site also offers forecast information, allowing you to plan ahead.
• Explore the World's Air Pollution website, which offers a real-time air pollution map covering over 80 countries. This platform uses laser particle sensors to measure PM2.5 and PM10 particle pollution, providing instant access to pollution levels worldwide. You can click on flags to access historical air pollution data for specific cities.
• Consider downloading mobile applications such as the Voronoi app (available on iOS and Android), which provides data-driven charts and visualizations about air pollution. These apps offer convenient access to air quality information and can send alerts and notifications directly to your device.
• Utilize the GAIA air quality monitor, which is easy to set up and requires only a WiFi access point and a USB-compatible power supply. This monitor provides real-time data on PM2.5 and PM10 particle pollution, helping you understand the pollution levels in your immediate surroundings.

By leveraging these tools and staying informed about air quality, you can take proactive measures to protect your health and well-being in an air-polluted country.

Avoid outdoor exercise: Limit outdoor physical activity to reduce exposure and inhalation

Air pollution is one of the deadliest environmental threats, causing millions of premature deaths each year. Outdoor physical activity can be risky when air quality is poor, and it is best to limit or reduce exposure to polluted air.

If you are in an area with poor air quality, it is recommended to avoid outdoor exercise and physical activity. The risk of negative health effects increases as Air Quality Index (AQI) levels rise above the moderate level. Even moderate amounts of pollution can impact your ability to breathe outdoors. At "unhealthy" levels of 101 AQI and above, outdoor exercise is no longer encouraged. When AQI levels are "unhealthy," it is recommended to exercise indoors.

For those who are healthy, exercising during moderate air pollution is generally safe. However, for older individuals or those unusually sensitive to air pollution, it is recommended to avoid prolonged and intensive exercise or physical activity when the air quality is moderate or higher. For people with pre-existing conditions such as respiratory or cardiovascular disease, even low-intensity activities like walking may intensify the negative impacts of air pollution.

If you must engage in physical activity outdoors when the air quality is poor, there are some precautions you can take. The American Lung Association suggests opting for lower-intensity workouts, as higher-intensity workouts increase the amount of air inhaled, and therefore the amount of pollution. It is also recommended to exercise away from busy traffic areas, where cars add the most particulate matter to the air, and to wear a tight-fitting mask.

Support organisations: Donate to organisations working to improve air quality and research

Air pollution is a significant environmental threat, causing millions of premature deaths each year. It is a pressing issue in emerging and developing countries, where global environmental standards are often not met.

There are several organisations working to improve air quality and research worldwide. Here are some notable organisations that you can support and donate to:

Clean Air in London

Clean Air in London is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to reducing air pollution and improving health and air quality for all Londoners. They advocate for government accountability and collaboration with citizens, businesses, policymakers, and researchers to tackle climate change.

Clean Air Fund

The Clean Air Fund is a global organisation focused on reducing air pollution in communities worldwide. Their work includes policy, advocacy, community action, and education initiatives to help people breathe healthier air and protect their health.

Clean Air Task Force (CATF)

The Clean Air Task Force is a US-based non-profit organisation founded in 1996. CATF works with various partners, including research institutions and industry leaders, to develop policy solutions and strategies to improve air quality globally. They aim to decarbonise the global energy system and reduce carbon emissions.

Green Yatra

Green Yatra holds workshops for students in India, educating them on reducing their carbon footprint. They also run campaigns, including tree plantation drives and educational activities related to sustainable development.

Clean Air Society of Australia and New Zealand (CASANZ)

CASANZ is a non-profit organisation dedicated to improving air quality and promoting public health and well-being. They provide education, advocacy, research, and policy recommendations to reduce air pollution and address other environmental factors influencing the quality of the environment, economy, and culture.

By donating to these organisations, you can directly contribute to improving air quality and supporting research initiatives. These organisations play a crucial role in advocating for change, educating communities, and implementing solutions to address the pressing issue of air pollution.

Advocate for change: Raise awareness, write to representatives, and support policies for cleaner air

One of the most effective ways to advocate for change and raise awareness about air pollution is to write to your local representatives and express your concerns. It is important to let your elected officials know what issues are important to you and what actions you want them to take. For example, you could write about the success of policies such as the Clean Air Act in the US, which has improved air quality and public health, and suggest similar policies be implemented in your country. You could also suggest policies that incentivize businesses to become more energy-efficient and innovative, such as carbon pricing, which could lead to a significant reduction in carbon pollution.

Writing to your representatives can be a powerful way to make your voice heard and create change. Here are some tips to make your letter or email more effective:

• Keep it personal and authentic: Share your own experiences and perspectives on the issue. For example, you could talk about how air pollution has impacted your health or the health of your loved ones.
• Be clear and concise: Clearly state your concerns and the specific actions you want your representatives to take.
• Provide evidence and data: Support your arguments with facts and research. For example, you could mention the World Health Organization's recommended limit for particulate matter (PM2.5) and the number of countries that currently exceed this limit.
• Offer local examples: If possible, provide examples of how air pollution is affecting your community or region. This could include data on air quality indices or information on the health impacts of air pollution in your area.
• Suggest solutions: In addition to raising concerns, offer potential solutions and policies that you would like to see implemented. For example, you could suggest investments in cleaner technologies, such as those required by the US EPA for new industrial facilities.

In addition to writing to your representatives, you can also raise awareness in your community about the effects of air pollution and the actions that can be taken to improve air quality. You can utilize various communication channels, such as social media, community meetings, or local media outlets, to spread accurate and timely information. By empowering your community with knowledge, you can mobilize collective action to reduce air pollution and mitigate its harmful effects. This could include sharing information about the health risks associated with air pollution, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, and educating people about individual actions they can take to reduce their exposure and contribution to air pollution.

Furthermore, you can support policies and initiatives that promote cleaner air. This could include attending public hearings or town hall meetings where air quality issues are discussed and providing your input. You can also join or support local environmental organizations that are advocating for change. By working together with others in your community, you can amplify your voice and create a stronger push for cleaner air policies. Remember, advocating for change is a continuous process, and it may take time and sustained effort to see meaningful improvements in air quality.

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