As the weather gets colder, air quality begins to deteriorate. Stubble burning and the Diwali festival further exacerbate the situation. The worsening air quality index increases the rate of illness and death among those exposed to it, especially vulnerable populations such as children, pregnant women, the elderly, people with pre-existing respiratory illnesses, police personnel, and municipal workers.
The following measures can be taken to reduce the risk of air pollution. To minimize exposure to air pollution, avoid areas with high levels of pollution, such as roads with slow and heavy traffic near polluting areas. Check the Air Quality Index (AQI) before planning your outdoor activities for the day.
High-risk individuals such as pregnant women, young children, and the elderly should limit outdoor activities as much as possible. Avoid burning any kind of wood, leaves, crop residue, and waste in the open air, which can further worsen air pollution. Avoid bursting firecrackers.
To mitigate the harmful effects of air pollution, eat seasonal fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Patients with pre-existing pulmonary or cardiovascular problems, pregnant women, young children, and the elderly should be extra cautious and avoid exposure to polluted air.
Patients with pre-existing pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases should monitor for worsening symptoms of their conditions during days of severe air pollution. If symptoms worsen, seek immediate medical attention. Wear an N95 or N99 mask on days with poor to severe air pollution.
