This winter, breathe easy indoors

With all the talk on the rising levels of air pollution outdoors, we also need to pay equal attention to the quality of air we breathe inside our homes as it can be more harmful, writes Dr ABHAY KUMAR

The arrival of winters marks the onset of harmful air pollutants and allergies. With all the talk on the rising levels of air pollution outdoors of late, we also need to pay equal attention to the quality of air that we breathe inside our homes and other closed settings as it can be more harmful. While people are aware and take adequate care to protect themselves from a spate of diseases that primarily strike because of outdoor pollution, they often neglect and remain largely unaffected by the potential dangers that can be caused by air in their indoor settings, especially during winters.

In winters, indoor air quality can be extremely hazardous, triggering allergies, irritating lungs, aggravating asthma attacks, and can even lead to cancer. A lot of airborne pollen, dust and household allergens find their path indoors during this season. Notwithstanding dust, shut and unventilated homes can breed vermin, mould, pet dander, and household irritants.

This dreary season can also be tough for most people, especially those suffering from breathing disorders. It also tends to make healthy people a bit unhealthy, as the cold and dry air can tighten airways and worsen breathing ability.

Here are a few tips to keep the air inside your home healthier and clean:

• Dust is the leading source of air pollution as it absorbs toxic gases. Clean and vacuum your home regularly to capture most of the dust, which will keep the surroundings free from germs or infections.
• Keep your home ventilated, bringing in fresh outdoor air to dilute the contaminated air indoors. It’s important to understand that unventilated homes can breed mould and mites.
• Avoid smoking indoors as it can be harmful for your lungs and can cause both short and long term health consequences to your family as well.
• Choose an air purifier that is patented with Duotron technology that actively reduces the growth of viruses and bacteria in the air, outside of the air purifier.
• Regularly clean and change air filters. Preferably switch to air purifiers with Swiss HEPATM filters that are highly efficient and capable of removing up to 99.97 per cent micro particles, such as fine dust particles, including PM2.5, pollen and mould spores.
• Reduce the use of harmful cleaning sprays as cleaning products that contain ammonia fumes can pose an immediate danger to the lungs and skin. liquid cleaners can be used instead of sprays as they disperse fewer particles into the air.
• It is important to understand that indoor air tends to be very dry. Breathing in dry air can cause irritation and further block airways. Drink plenty of water to prevent your airways from getting dry.
• Avoid using scented candles at home as they can trigger allergy symptoms and aggravate existing allergies and worsen asthma.
• Exercise is the best practice to follow and stay fit. Keep performing indoor exercises when it is bitterly cold outside.
• lastly, always stay warm and keep your surroundings clean and clutter-free during winters.

This winter, take these few simple precautions that will help you boost the air quality inside your homes and ensure that you and your family breathe in healthy and clean air.

The writer is Chief Scientific OfficerEureka Forbes Institute of Environment