With air pollution crossing 500g/m3, doctors share quick tips on how to deal with harmful effects of air pollution. Sangeeta Yadav reports
The recent dust storm in Delhi-NCR due to dust storm in Rajasthan, Haryana and Punjab had created several health hazards with particulate matter (PM) 2.5 crossing 500g/m3. Though the dust has somewhat settled, the aftermath — a lot of people are battling with not just the respiratory problems but infections and allergies caused due to inhaling harmful chemical particles in the air.
According to WHO, 92 per cent of the world’s population lives in areas where the air quality is below the WHO standards. Around 4.3 million people a year in India, die from the exposure to household air pollution, which is among the highest in the world. According to UNICEF, one in seven children are breathing polluted air.
“Patients who have asthma, Chronic bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the chances are their condition will be worse. The air pollution also affects heart patient. The air contains sulphur dioxide, carbondioxide, carbonmono-oxide and other harmful particles and gases that can impact health adversely. It can have an acute attack on asthma. There are chances that people get eye infection too,” Dr Rajesh Chawla, senior consultant, Pulmonology at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Delhi says.
Some of the risks that air pollution poses are a stroke, heart disease and lung cancer. “There might not be an immediate effects of the harmful air pollution but these problems can arise in a long run if no preventive measure is followed. So protection is better than nothing,” Dr Chawla opines.
Dr Rajsrinivas Parthasarathy, stroke neurology and neurointerventional surgery, Artemis Agrim Insitute of Nuero Sciences, Gurugram, points out that air pollution is one of the major cause of stroke in our country. “The researchers have discovered that around 30 per cent of disability associated with stroke is linked to air pollution, which is especially high in developing countries compared with developed countries, at 33.7 per cent and 10.2 per cent, respectively,” Dr Parthasarathy tells you.
Agrees Dr KK Aggarwal, president, Heart Care Foundation of India and says: “When you inhale air quality which has PM 10, the harmful particles remain in the lungs and can damage the lining of the respiratory tract and lung alveoli and reduce lung capacity and exercise capacity causing asthma and COPD. later, they may permanently damage the lungs. Dust particles irritate the eye and also the airways and cause coughing, wheezing. PM 2.5, on the other hand, is absorbed, enters the circulation and affects mainly the heart. It increases blood pressure and may cause heart attack and stroke. Patients of asthma and COPD, in particular, should take caution. They may need to increase the dose of their medications.”
Experts point out that the indoor air can be as polluted as the outside. “Indoor air can be up to five times or more polluted than outside as outdoor pollutants get inside our homes which multiplies with the pre-existent indoor air pollutants generated from consumer products and household habits such as paints, Volatile organic compounds, pet allergens and cooking gas,” Arvind Chabra, country head, Blueair, says.
In India, over 30 crore people use the traditional stoves or open fires to cook or heat their homes with solid fuels (coal, wood, charcoal, crop waste). Such inefficient practices tend to produce high levels of household pollution containing pollutants like fine particles and carbon monoxide which has various health ailments.
“One must avoid going outdoors and if in case they have to commute to office or school, they must use a mask. If they are commuting in a car, avoid opening the window and even use a car air purifier. Even at home, people should use air purifier when the pollution level is high outside if there are cardiac patients or have some respiratory problem. Those who want to go out for work, they must use N 95 masks all the time when they are outdoors,” Dr Chawla says.
To prevent the indoor air from getting polluted, Dr Chabra advises to follow deep cleaning routine and not to burn anything that emits too much of smoke. “Deep clean your home and vacuum your couches and curtains regularly. Use wet mops as it helps reducing the fine dust. Remove carpets if possible as it can capture a lot of pollutants such as small dust particles, food which falls on the floor, pet hair, dust mites, pesticides, allergens and other dirt.
Say no to incense sticks and candles. Studies suggest incense sticks and candles release undesired chemicals that can cause health problems like skin allergies and even heightens the risk of respiratory illness. Make sure that there are proper ventilation and the exhaust fans are working effectively. Avoid smoking indoors as it affects not only the smoker but also people around them,” Dr Chabra says.
When it comes to choosing an air purifier for indoors, it is important to check the specifications. “Air purifiers can prevent microplastics, allergies and impure air from harming. The best air purifiers generally work on High efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration and has high clean air delivery rate (CADR) that will help you prevent from most of the air borne diseases. Always go for an air purifier which removes the minutest pollutant from the air and has higher air changes per hour (ACH) as it ensures a consistent flow of clean air in your room. Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers recommends minimum 5ACH per hour, meaning the air purifier filters the room every 12 minutes,” Dr Chabra explains.
For the outdoors, one can sprinkle water in the air to settle down the dust in their area. People can also consume antioxidant foods to build the immunity system that can help to combat the harmful effects of air pollution.
“Consume fruits rich in Vitamin C like oranges, grapes, guava, amla, kiwi, strawberries, papaya, lemons, red and green peppers. It helps lessen oxidative stress on the body. Magnesium rich foods like nuts, seeds especially pumpkin seeds and legumes, spinach, yogurt, avocado, figs and others relaxes your lungs from the excessive pressure. Consuming foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids like walnuts, chia seeds, flax seeds, mustard seeds, methi seeds, green leafy vegetables, kala chana and rajma help the body against the harmful effects of air pollution on one’s heart health and lipid profile. People can also opt for herbal ginger or tulsi tea,” Dr Chawla says.