How to survive in Delhi’s polluted air: Tips that minimise the risk

Delhi’s air pollution hit new highs from last winter, giving the city, at least briefly, the worst air quality readings of any place on earth. Unlike in years past, though, the warmer weather hasn’t brought that much relief.

Now the time when people should understand how both short term and long term exposure to pollution is equally harmful.

Diwali celebration’s just added to the existing vehicular pollution in Delhi and other neighbouring cities, making the air condition worse. Hospitals are reporting a significant spike in respiratory conditions after the festival.

But there are ways you can minimise the ill effects of this nasty pollution that's hurting your lungs and increasing other related diseases.

Get an Air-Purifiers

Every day our bodies are exposed to small amounts of toxins, carcinogens, and organic pollutants, and over the course of our lives this can have a very harmful effect, and lead to an increased risk of serious disease. You have the choice to purify the air in your home and reap the health benefits.

Hydration 

Keep your body's metabolism in top shape by consuming ample fluids. This also keeps the body's filtering mechanism resilient.

Ensure you eat properly for good immunity 

It’s the season changing the time of the year and many are susceptible to falling sick or at least catching a cold with the added hazardous effects of pollution. It is important that we eat properly and keep ourselves hydrated by drinking lots of water to ensure that our immunity fights the diseases.

Use a pollution mask every time you step out

Wearing pollution masks can minimise the risk of getting affected to a great extent which is good enough to filter all the dust particles from the air we breathe. N95 and N99 pollution masks are recommended as the most effective ones while normal masks are quite enough and these can be availed from the online shopping websites and even in the nearby chemist shops.

Keep away from construction sites

Special precautions must be taken to control the dust produced at large construction sites.

Grow and keep more plants in your area

School textbooks have taught us how planting more trees help purify the air we breathe. Plants release oxygen, something which is absolutely essential for life to survive.

Avoid travelling in open transport

Avoid two-wheelers and use closed public transport or cars to travel.

Stay close to trees and greenery 

If you practice yoga or meditation, preferably do it in places surrounded by trees and plants, which are excellent sources of oxygen.

Aloe Vera plant 

Great to keep at home since it absorbs the carbon dioxide, formaldehyde and carbon monoxide. Nine air purifiers can apparently be replaced by one aloe vera plant. Bonus – its gel is great for your skin too!

Essential Oils

In the presence of essential oils like cinnamon, oregano, rosemary, thyme, grapefruit lemon, clove, tea tree - viruses, fungi, bacteria and even mold cannot survive. Studies from Weber State University show that Thieves Oil has a 99.96% kill rate against airborne bacteria.