World Environment Day: Tips to breathing clean air indoors and outdoors

By Vinay Pathak

The pollution alarm bells have been ringing loud and clear for a long time now. According to World Health Organization's (WHO's) global air pollution database released in Geneva, India has 14 out of 15 most-polluted cities in the world with PM 2.5 concentrations.

The report also said that ambient air pollution alone caused around 4.2 million deaths, and household air pollution from cooking with polluting fuels and technologies caused an estimated 3.8 million deaths in 2016.



Common misconceptions
The term 'air pollution' usually brings to mind the images of vehicles and factories with fumes and gases. But often, people don't think of their own homes and offices. But according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air can be two to five times worse than outside air. Since we spend nearly 90% of our times indoors, improving the air quality at home and work is very important.

Indoor air is filled with PM2.5 and PM10 micro-particles. From minor discomfort to life-threatening diseases, they might negatively impact our lives. Also, we ourselves bring a lot of pollutants indoors.



Precautions to take indoors
When indoors, take these measures to keep the air clean.

Avoid smoking inside: Cigarette smoke is one of the most common indoor pollutants. It gets magnified in rooms with carpeting or fabric.

Avoid or minimise VOCs: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are gases emitted from certain solids or liquids. They can have both short and long-term adverse health effects. Some of the most commonly found VOCs at home include paints, solvents, aerosol sprays, cleansers, disinfectants, hobby supplies, pesticides, etc. In offices, common VOCs include building materials, furnishings, copiers, printers and even correction fluids.

Service the air conditioner regularly: Improperly cleaned air filters are the primary cause of infections and allergies. The build-up of allergens such as dust, fungi, pollen, and bacteria can trigger ENT and respiratory infections.

Clean the indoor air: One of the simplest and most cost-effective ways of cleaning indoor air is to use an AC Filter. Currently, there are efficient AC Filters available in the market which can absorb even Particulate Matters and give out cleaner air to breathe.



Before you step out
While outdoors, you can take several measures to stay protected from polluted air.

Avoid morning walks: Monitor the Air Quality Index to see whether it is safe for morning walks. Walking or jogging in smog is not advisable.

Avoid outdoor activities for kids: Kids are more unwilling to be at home. But playing outside in the smog with dangerous levels of air quality may adversely affect their lungs.

Use masks: An N95/99 respirator mask is advisable when you are stepping out. It filters out PM2.5, PM10, H1N1 Virus, pollution particles, and even allergens.

Pollution is the unwelcome reality of an industrial society. But these precautions can hold you and your family good and strong.

(The author is Subject Matter Expert at 3M APAC region)