18 of the world’s 20 cities with the highest annual levels of air pollution are in India, according to the World Air Quality Report 2018. Delhi air pollution is at an all time high. India’s Ministry of Earth Sciences published a research paper in October 2018 analysing the causes of air pollution, attributing roughly 41% of Delhi air pollution to vehicular emissions, 21.5% to dust, and 18% to industries.
Now that Delhi smog has become a tangible threat to public health, here are some precautionary measures to be taken to alleviate yourself from hazardous air pollutants to the best of your ability.
Avoid Outdoor Morning Walks or Jogs
While morning walks are generally considered to be a healthy exercise, they can do more harm than good while you’re at Delhi NCR. It is advisable to opt for indoor exercises instead of outdoor activities.
Wear an Anti-Pollution Mask
Wearing anti-pollution masks capable of filtering PM2.5 particles can protect you from air pollution outdoors to some extent.
Ventilate Your Home
Indoor air pollution is as big of a health concern as outdoor air pollution. To combat this, ventilate your home, especially if a family member is a smoker, through open windows and exhaust fans.
Get Some Indoor Plants
you should consider keeping Plants such as Aloe Vera, English Ivy, Areca Palm, and Spider Plant to improve the air quality indoors.
Eat Healthy
Increase your intake of Vitamin C, Omega 3 fatty acid, and magnesium as these help to cancel out the ill effects of breathing polluted air. Add jaggery to your diet as well, as a replacement to sugar, to flush out pollutants from your lungs.
Travel in Closed Vehicles
Avoid travelling by motorbikes or autorickshaws wherein you’re exposed to outside air. Even while travelling by car, do not keep your windows rolled down, otherwise you may be inhaling smoke or polluted air.
Buy an Air Purifier
Air purifiers are a boon to Delhi air pollution. Personal air purifiers are strongly recommended to wear on the go and breathe cleaner, safer air anytime and anywhere. The AirTamer, in particular, is certified to filter 875% more pollutants than traditional air purifiers (e.g. HEPA).
Implement these recommendations in your daily life, and keep yourselves safe from Delhi’s extreme air pollution.