Tiptop

Forget going for anoutdoor work-out or walking in the park on a beautiful morning, Air Pollution continues to be a serious public-health threat.  The consistently deteriorating air quality is confining people to their homes in the post- harvest period (October to March) every year. This has become a major cause of concern especially for residents of Delhi and other northern states.

The culprit is vehicular emissions, stubble burning andconstruction. In the winter season as cold air flows downward,ittraps all particulate matter and dustbringing them along to be inhaled. Dr (Maj) Rajesh Bhardwaj, ENT Specialist tells you how one can stay safe.

• Stay Indoors in morning hours as the air quality is extremely harmful in the morning
• Avoid going out when the air quality is bad. Now-a-days' health department is regularly issuing advisory about pollution levels and air qualityfor every region
• Wear face masks as they can prevent 90-95 particulate matter and are reusable after washing
• Keep your windows closed, at home or when you travel in your car
• Use air purifiersif possible as any clean air is good air for your body’s immunity

School kids and elders should take special precautions during winters, as they are more susceptible and vulnerable. They should wear face masks while travelling.

It is a myth, and a dangerous one that exposing yourself to bad air increases one's immunity. Bad air only causes harm- there is no immunity against it.