Air pollution is a major health concern, and it's essential to take the necessary steps to reduce your exposure. Staying indoors on days of high air pollution, reducing outdoor air infiltration into your home, using air filters, and limiting physical exertion outdoors are all effective ways to reduce your exposure. Additionally, you can reduce air pollution in your home by reducing energy consumption, choosing sustainable products, and avoiding chemicals. On a larger scale, governments and subnational entities are responsible for implementing and monitoring policies to promote air quality for health. Every day, the decisions you make can either reduce or increase air pollution.
Unfortunately, people living in low- and middle-income countries are disproportionately affected by outdoor air pollution. To address this issue, the World Health Organization (WHO) provides evidence, builds institutional capacity, and takes advantage of the health argument to call on sectors to address air pollution. The American Lung Association encourages everyone to join the fight for cleaner, healthier air. If you're looking for ways to reduce your exposure to air pollution and improve your health, here are five tips that can help:
1.Stay Indoors on Days of High Air Pollution
On days when the air quality is poor, it's best to stay indoors as much as possible. This is especially important for people who are more vulnerable to the effects of air pollution, such as children and the elderly.If you must go outside on days of high air pollution, try to limit your physical activity and wear a face mask.
2.Reduce Outdoor Air Infiltration into Your Home
One way to reduce your exposure to air pollution is to reduce outdoor air infiltration into your home. This can be done by sealing any cracks or gaps around windows and doors, using weather stripping around windows and doors, and installing an energy-efficient HVAC system.3.Use Air Filters
Using an air filter in your home can help reduce the amount of pollutants in the air. Look for an air filter that is certified by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) or the National Air Filtration Association (NAFA). These filters are designed to remove particles from the air that can cause health problems.4.Limit Physical Exertion Outdoors
When you're outdoors on days of high air pollution, it's important to limit your physical exertion.This means avoiding strenuous activities such as running or biking. If you must exercise outdoors on days of high air pollution, try to do it in a well-ventilated area.
5.Reduce Energy Consumption
Reducing energy consumption is one way to reduce air pollution in your home. This can be done by using energy-efficient appliances, turning off lights when not in use, and unplugging electronics when not in use. Additionally, you can choose sustainable products such as organic food and natural cleaning products. These five tips can help you reduce your exposure to air pollution and improve your health.Remember that governments and subnational entities are responsible for implementing and monitoring policies to promote air quality for health. Everyone should join the fight for cleaner, healthier air.
