How You Can Protect Yourself From Smog

With the advent of technology, we have gained a lot of comfort in our lives but on the other hand, it has greatly affected the environment around us. Industrialization has caused the start of all types of pollution such as noise pollution, air pollution, soil pollution and water pollution. The most dangerous type is air pollution and smog is its worst remnant.

Smog is a combination of smoke and fog. In early winters, smog starts setting in due to an excessive number of vehicles and industries in the area. Normal smog also known as ‘London smog’ is due to burning of large amounts of sulfur coal. Photochemical smog is the type which is the combination of harmful pollutants emitted from factories and vehicles. This is the most dangerous type of smog for living beings.  Here is how you can take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from smog:

Source: Care

1. Refrain from outdoor walks

Outdoor activities and exercise are good for you but not when you are breathing in toxic air. Morning time is when the smog index is highest so keep your jogging or walking in the evening hours when smog settles to some extent.

2. Play your role in energy conservation

Consider adopting an energy efficient and environment friendly lifestyle. Opt for a fuel efficient vehicle when buying for yourself. Otherwise,  public transport is the most efficient way of transportation. Try to reduce energy consumption at home. Avoid using unnecessary lights and look for alternatives to gas-powered machines. There are many options of appliances and machines out in the market that are environment-friendly.

Source: Wall Street Journal

3. Use face masks outside

Try to refrain from going outside but if you have to then wear a mask so you don’t inhale the harmful particles in the air. N95/99 masks are good as they contain a filter that will help you breathe somewhat good quality air. Wear sunglasses and shades outside to avoid exposure to air as smog can cause irritation and burning sensation in the eyes.

4. Put air-purifying plants indoor

There are many air purifying plants such as Aloe vera, Ivy and spider plant. These plants clean the air around them and leave a pleasant fragrance as well. Keep these plants in your rooms to improve air quality indoors.

Source: Good Housekeeping

5. Take care of your medical conditions

Air pollution can increase the chances of having lung problems such as asthma or COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Smog causes irritation in the eyes, nose, throat and difficulty breathing. Asthma patients must take extra care in the season of smog as it may prove hazardous. Along with managing symptoms, take medicines regularly. You can order your medicines from sites such as www.pricepropharmacy.com so you have your stock in case of any emergency. Keep an inhaler with you at all times in smog affected areas.  Keep a record of your medicine intake and take it up to your doctor for reference.

6. Ventilate your kitchen, bathroom

You can prevent smog from entering your home and office by installing a proper ventilation system. A chimney or exhaust in the kitchen and bathroom will help a lot in cleaning the air indoors.

Source: The RTA Store

7. Avoid smoking

Smoke from various sources contributes to the smog index as a whole. So it’s better to play our part and decrease any sources of smoke such as cigarette smoking. Smoking will not only make smog levels worse but also affect air quality indoors. So try to prevent yourself and your loved ones from these hazards and quit smoking or decrease the amount of instances you smoke.

8. Clean after pet animals

If you have pets at home, especially furry animals, then you are more likely to develop respiratory problems. This is because pets shed hair and other substances which are not visible to the eye but can be easily inhaled and may cause infections or allergies. Try to avoid keeping pets at home if you already have respiratory problems and if you have, then clean after your pets regularly. Take out the litter and clean their cages or homes everyday.

Source: Great Green Cleaning

9. Keep an eye on weather forecast

Keep yourself updated with daily weather conditions. Look out for weather forecasts and if you have to travel to other areas check the weather forecast beforehand. In case of poor weather, try to visit those areas for sometime. This can benefit you in the long run.

10. Refrain from pressurized cleaners

Pressurized containers of sprays, disinfectants and other cleaning supplies may prove harmful to the air around us. The particles add up to smog and may get harmful for people with respiratory problems. So try to refrain from using such products.

Source: Quadra-Fire

11. Don’t burn wood or trash

Burning trash and firewood are among the major sources of smog in many areas. Look for better waste management techniques to get rid of trash. Try recycling the unwanted items in your house to reduce carbon footprints. Avoid use of fire crackers on occasion due to fumes exerted by them.

12. Clean your homes

The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) advises wet mopping of floors to reduce dust. Also avoid vacuum cleaners that do not have a HEPA filter. Regular dusting and cleaning indoors will not only keep the air quality better but also may help you avoid certain health problems.

Source: Thailand Medical News

10. Drink Green tea

Make a habit of drinking one cup of green tea daily. Green tea is packed with antioxidants that help your body get rid of toxins and free radicals. If you have inhaled any harmful substances, green tea will minimize its effects. Consider going on a vegan diet as consuming meat also contributes to the carbon footprint of a person.

Final Note

Whether outdoor or indoor, air pollution affects everyone equally. It is especially hazardous for people with respiratory problems. By taking these preventive measures you can contribute to a better environment for yourself and your loved ones as well as improve the quality of the air you breathe.