With a dip in temperature every year, the smog in metro cities increases to an alarming level. Various factors like crop burning, vehicular pollution, burning of crackers during Diwali and dipping mercury lead to this. But is there something you can do to protect yourself from the ill effects to some extent? Below is a list of certain well researched ways to help improve the air quality you breathe indoors.
Air purifying plants
Certain plants like Snake plant, Spider plant, Money plant etc. have the ability to absorb toxic pollutants in an indoor space. You can easily get them in nurseries and online. These are pretty low maintenance and need to be watered once weekly. So, even if don’t have green fingers you can easily take care of these.
Stay indoors
It is imperative to spend most of your time indoors around the time when the air pollution levels have been announced to be remarkably high. This is specially important for kids and elderly.
Mask it up
N95 marks are pretty effective in filtering out the pollutant particles so, if you must go outside, it is a good idea to wear masks and avoid inhaling the polluted air.
Ventilation
Ventilate your house around the time when the particulate matter in air is supposed to be the lowest. So, you can open your doors and windows for some time between 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Air purifiers
Now would be a good time to invest in a quality air purifier. These purifiers help to clean the indoor air quality in your room to a good extent. You can even use them at night in low power settings to decrease electricity consumption. It is equally important to get these air purifiers serviced from time to time to clear up the filters.
Antioxidants
Increasing the intake of antioxidants in the form of herbal teas, fruits and vegetables is imperative with rising pollution levels as it helps in increasing the overall wellbeing of your body. Jaggery, Oranges and Green Tea are particularly good to combat the ill effects of pollution.
Use humidifiers
Using humidifiers especially during night with a few drops of eucalyptus oil or peppermint oil can help in easing up the stress on your airways. The light humidity in the room helps you breathe more efficiently. Dry and polluted air can be a bad combination for your respiratory system. Similarly, you can make it a habit to take steam regularly to remove mucus build up from your Airways.
Change your cleaning methods
Include more of microfiber clothes and organic cleaners in your home to decrease the toxin load on your lungs and skin. Also, vaccum sofas, mattress etc regularly to decrease dust and respiratory irritants in your home.
To wrap it up, all the above are good ways to reduce the effect of bad air on our family’s health. Let us be responsible citizens and go for carpools, public transport, not burning crackers and most importantly, planting more trees! We knew this time was coming but were we conscious and cautious? Charity begins at home folks let’s do our bit to stop this menace!
Utpal Khot
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