Delhi air pollution: Simple dos and don’ts to stay healthy when there’s smog

On Thursday morning, when the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi reached severe levels, a thick envelope of smog was spotted in the national capital region and its surrounding areas, leaving the public once again concerned about their health.

Smog is a form of severe air pollution. The term was invented in the early twentieth century as a combination of the words smoke and fog to describe smoky fog owing to its opacity and odour. The smoke in the air caused by industrialisation and scenarios such as farm fires, when combined with fog, especially in the winter, generate smog, which causes a slew of serious ailments in humans and animals and has the potential to harm vegetation.

Smog has a direct effect on the respiratory system and skin disorders are a major concern.
With Delhi facing high levels of pollutants in the air, it is time to take some precautions and save yourself from falling ill. To make people aware of ways to tackle this alarming situation and inform them about what to do and what not, ANI talked to Dr Arunesh Kumar, HOD- Pulmonology, Paras Hospitals, Gurugram and here are some tips:

Wear mask

Do not leave your home without wearing N95 masks. It’s very important to check that the mask you’re using fulfils all criteria, and actually works well in preventing exposure. Also, only leave your place if it is absolutely necessary to go out.

Invest in air-purifying plants

Investing in some air purifying plants such as aloe vera, ivy and spider plants that can be placed in the home and at your office desk. There are a lot of indoor plants available in the market that requires really less attention. These plants not only purify the air but also calm your mind.

Stay hydrated

It is very important that you stay well hydrated when the air quality is poor. Ensure that you drink enough water throughout the day or other healthy drinks like coconut water and fresh lime. One can also consume vegetable and fruit juices.

Follow a rich diet

Following a diet that is rich in antioxidants, protein and green vegetables is vital as it helps in providing protection to your body from the harmful effects caused by air pollutants.
Use public transports

Every vehicle on the road releases a lot of CO2 into the air. Compared with driving alone, taking public transportation reduces CO2 emissions, decreases pollutants in the atmosphere and improves air quality.

Don’t smoke

Experts say that one of the most common indoor air pollutants is cigarette smoke. Don’t allow anyone to smoke indoors and support measures to make all public places tobacco-free.

Along with these tips, Dr Arunesh also suggested “not skipping your routine workouts and spending time at the nearby park or garden but do so outside peak pollution hours. Do not burn garbage, especially plastic and other discarded things. Do not select the jam-packed road to drive your vehicle and stay away from locations that are seeing high pollution. Select a healthy lifestyle for your body to be prepared for the harmful effects of smog and pollution.”

Meanwhile, with air pollution worsening in the national capital, Delhi authorities halted all construction work and demolition activities till further orders.

Meanwhile, with air pollution worsening in the national capital, Delhi authorities halted all construction work and demolition activities till further orders.

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has urged the Delhi government to shut schools till air quality improves.

Also Read: Health expert terms Delhi NCR pollution a “medical emergency” as people complain of pneumonia, chest infections