How to manage harmful effects of air pollution
Air pollution is an urban reality…and sadly, it is spreading to rural India as well.
If governments don’t act tough on polluting industries or groups of people (who burn woodstock or crops for various resons), most Indian cities will end up being like Beijing in China, where people instead of doing something about it actually click a snap of the sky if they view it blue, as most of the time the sky is grey due to the haze of the pollution.
The citizens also should act responsibly and take steps at their own individual level to reduce air pollution. There are times when air pollution ups due to festivals (use of fire-crackers), winter season, construction activities, etc.
Air pollution is a major cause of bronchitis. It can cause asthma and worsen any pre-existing heart or lung disease. Pollution affects not just high-risk groups but normal people too.
Steps individuals can take to reduce air pollution are:
- Do car pooling – there will be fewer cars on the road
- Avoid burning fire-crackers during festivals
- Avoid burning waste materials
- Use gas (CNG/LPG) as a fuel instead of diesel/petrol/kerosene
Steps to protect oneself from harmful effects of air pollution:
- Use masks if necessary
- Live away from polluting industries
- Move out of the house if absolutely necessary
- Consider option of working from home
- Avoid traffic jams
- Avoid physical exertion
- Avoid densely populated areas
- Do breathing exercise indoors
- Eat foods rich in antioxidants – apples, plums, broccoli, tomatoes, berries, etc.
- Increase intake of vitamin C
- Keep air-purifying plants in the house – money plants, dracaena, aloe vera, etc.
- Consider having an indoor air purifier
Your contribution in improving air quality is as much important as governmental actions!
