Healthy lungs: Know how to protect yourself from air pollution

The lungs are the main respiratory organs that deliver oxygen to your body and keeps you alive. Environmental and lifestyle factors such as long-term exposure to air pollution, cigarettes, and poor diet can severely affect your lung function. Studies have shown that the health effects of air pollution are significant. This Diwali, there might be an increase in air pollution, so here are a few steps you can take to help prevent air pollution-related health threats and encourage lung health.

How to protect yourself from air pollution?

• Outdoor air quality can vary day-to-day. Awareness of harmful pollutants and taking steps to avoid prolonged exposure can, therefore, help keep the lungs clean and whole. Consider wearing a pollution-free mask when you go out. Masks keep you free from pollution. It is important to wear masks when the air quality goes red to keep yourself healthy. 

Read: Delhi's AQI Improves As Pollution Decreases, Still In Poor Category

• If pollution levels are high, you should stop exercising or working outdoors. Alternatively, you can change your fitness routine with indoor activities such as yoga practice, outdoor walking, etc. Please confirm the form and volume of operation with your doctor about when it is safe for you to exercise, particularly if you have asthma, diabetes or other health conditions.

Read: Delhi Breaths Easy As Favourable Weather Reduces Pollution Levels

• Provide regular check-ups on nutrition. With lung disease, which often goes undetected until it is severe, this is particularly important. Regular health check-ups will minimise the risk of getting sick and identify any life-threatening illness or infection early.

Read: Delhi Cabinet Approves 36 Crores For Mass Campaign Against Pollution

• Check the area’s daily air pollution predictions. The colour-coded predictions will show you if your community’s air is toxic. You can check these predictions from radio, television, newspapers, etc. Stop exercising in areas with high traffic, even if the forecasts of air quality is good. Cars and busy highways could create high levels of pollution.

Read: EDMC Declares War On Pollution; Sprinkles Water On Road To Combat Dust

Read: Aspirin May Reduce Harms Of Air Pollution On Lungs: Study