How to stay safe from air pollution during winters?

by Amili R. SEO

Every year during winters, the northern parts of the country start facing the perils of air pollution. The time post-Diwali festival seems to be the worst with AQI (Air Quality Index) levels soaring between 1000-1300 every day.

Temperature Inversion, a phenomenon that takes place during winters when the cold air is imprisoned by a layer of warm air. This phenomenon also snares the air pollutants nearer to the earth’s surface due to which it becomes visible to naked eyes in the form of smog.

Though air pollution is a threat that can’t be controlled overnight, there are several ways to keep yourself protected from it.

Below are some of the most effective ways to keep yourself and your loved ones safe from increasing air pollution.

1. Check Air Quality Before Going Out

Always understand that having the right information is the first step towards protection. It is very important to monitor the air quality at all times to become mindful of the things that you are breathing along with much life-giving oxygen.

There are many air quality monitoring apps available that can help you a constant check of the air you’re breathing.

2. Avoid Traffic Congested Areas

As vehicles are found to be the primary source of air pollution due to emissions, experts recommended staying away from the place that generally faces heavy traffic congestion. Even if it costs to take a bit longer route, don’t hesitate in doing so.

The volume of pollutants that you breathe in while waiting for the traffic signal to turn green would be immensely high. And don’t remain in disguise that rolling up the windows can make you safe.

If you are traveling by a four-wheeler with rolled-up windows, you are still being exposed to air pollution. If you are travelling by a two-wheeler, then drop the idea of wearing a handkerchief around your face for that case. Handkerchiefs or cloth materials cannot help you from getting exposed to particulate matters which are as small as 0.3 microns.

3. Avoid Stepping Out of Home During Evening

Air quality generally worsens during the evening and it is not sensible to go outside the house during this time. If there is something that is hard to avoid, put on a mask while commuting. However, it is better to stay indoors in the evening during the winter season.

4. Install Air Purifiers

If you choose to invest in the best air purifiers in India, you can be confident about inhaling clean air at your place. Choosing the best air purifier in India is no big deal as the market is flooded with a large number of brands that have different air cleansing capacities.

5. Use Indoor Plants That Purify Air

Besides outdoor air pollution, indoor air pollution too hikes up during the winter season. Ammonia, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, benzene, and xylene are few pollutants that prevail in your house. In order to combat indoor air pollution, you can plant specific trees that help upsurge the oxygen levels and reduce the number of air pollutants in your house.

6. Avoid Exercising in The Morning

In the morning, the smog remains typically heavily dense. Do not confuse smog with fog and do not exercise with the purpose of inhaling fresh air. Doing so can cause damage to your lung function instead of strengthening it.