In today’s world, air quality has drastically deteriorated, significantly affecting public health, especially in terms of respiratory issues. The rise in air pollution is a global concern, driven by factors such as rapid industrialisation, the increased use of motor vehicles, and the burning of fossil fuels. This surge in pollutants, including harmful particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2), and ground-level ozone, is taking a heavy toll on both the environment and human health. Pollutants like particulate matter and ozone can trigger or worsen asthma symptoms, causing frequent attacks. Long-term exposure to air pollution can lead to COPD, which causes breathing difficulties, coughing, and mucus production. Even lung cancer is a possibility. Here are some measures we can take to safeguard our lungs.
Monitoring Air Quality: Regular monitoring of air quality is essential to know whether it is safe to leave the house. Avoid going outside altogether when the air quality is poor. Most of the time, air pollution is highest in the early morning and evening hours. So it is better to avoid outside work at this time.
Air Purifiers: Using air purifiers is an effective way to improve indoor air quality, especially in environments where outdoor pollution levels are high. Air purifiers equipped with HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters can capture and remove airborne contaminants, such as dust, pollutants, allergens, and even bacteria or viruses, thus providing cleaner and healthier air to breathe.
Wearing Masks: Masks have become the new normal since 2020, during the pandemic era so you might already be acquainted with wearing one. It is advisable to use a mask to help filter out harmful substances when going to areas with high air pollution.
Healthy Diet: Foods rich in antioxidants help reduce inflammation in the lungs due to pollution. Berries, green leafy vegetables, nuts and omega-3 fatty acids support good respiratory health. Make sure your diet includes more vegetables and fruits. Drinking enough water will hydrate your lungs and ensure that toxins are flushed out.
Avoid smoking: Avoiding smoking is crucial for maintaining lung health, especially in environments with increasing air pollution. Smoking introduces harmful chemicals and toxins into the body, which not only damage the lungs but also worsen the effects of air pollution.
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