With the onset of winters, pollution levels have started rising in cities like Delhi and elsewhere. Even as AQI is set to worsen further in the coming months, doctors warn against prolonged exposure to unhealthy air which can be damaging for our health in several ways.
Pollutants in the air can trigger breathing issues, allergies and many other diseases, including skin reactions. Air pollution can cause or aggravate a number of allergic disorders like asthma, allergic rhinitis, eye involvement or skin allergy. A variety of air pollutants have been attracting attention as one causative factor in the rising cases of such diseases, they say.
Major pollutants affecting lungs, skin
Major pollutants including particulate matter (PM), dust, vehicular and industrial smoke, harmful chemicals and gases, and pollen as well as construction debris contribute to allergic problems. PM2.5 – particles of diameter less than 2.5 micrometres – is considered the most harmful as they can travel deep into the bronchioles and alveoli of the lungs. These can also penetrate the skin and cause skin barrier dysfunction.
Harmful gases, such as ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide can damage skin barrier and affect skin microflora.
Indoor pollution also a major problem
If you think the countryside is better than cities, think twice. In rural areas, indoor cooking with wood and coal burning can trigger allergic reactions. Garbage burning or burning of dry leaves in the open is common in rural areas which affect breathing both indoors and outdoors. In urban homes too indoor pollution is common, caused by burning of incense sticks, mosquito coil and cigarette smoking. Indoor pollution can trigger irritation, cause damage to our airways, and skin. These pollutants are responsible for increase in a number of allergic disorders which do not get controlled or cured until and unless we control pollution levels. Often these lung ailments turn chronic and warrant long-term medication. Here are 5 ways by which we can save ourselves from prolonged exposure to pollution.
Also Read: Gut Health: The Secret to Radiant Skin
5 ways to keep away from pollution
Avoid getting out
Try avoiding getting out unless absolutely essential. If you need to go out, choose early morning or night hours when vehicular movement is lesser and construction and industrial activities reduce.
Use mask
When going out, try to cover your nose and mouth with a good mask available at medical stores. This will keep some of the harmful gases from entering your nose and lungs. Also use sunscreen lotions and cover your body well with adequate clothing to further protect yourself from harmful pollutants.
Drive cars with windows up
When going to high-pollution zones like areas with high traffic and population concentration, try to use your car, with its windows up and the AC on. Many cars today come with inbuilt air purifiers, so this should further help. Avoid carrying kids, elderly and the sick or the vulnerable to these areas.
Proper ventilation
Avoid using incense sticks and keep check on other sources of indoor smoke for a healthier air inside. Have proper ventilation at home, enhance green cover inside and outside and deploy air purifiers at home if required to further ensure you and your family breath the best air.
Report garbage burning
Be aware and alert. Inform and report if there is garbage burning in the open or unauthorised cutting of trees in the vicinity or operation of a pollution unit in a residential area. Individual responsiveness, commitment and action can go a long way in mitigating pollution in our society.
