Delhi AQI Alert: 7 tips to protect yourself from smog

Delhi-NCR experienced bad air quality and high levels of pollution. The AQI had reached the ‘severe’ and 'very poor' category, which is the worst level and poses serious health risks to infants, children, and the elderly. The outdoor workers like construction workers, street vendors, and daily commuters are still at a high risk of being affected by the polluted air.

Government measures to control pollution are ongoing, but they are not quite sufficient without individual precautions. A GRAP Stage II has been implemented for the area. As per this, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has increased parking fees in the entire city two times, and commercial goods vehicles that do not meet the BS-VI emission standard will not be allowed to enter Delhi from November 1. Furthermore, the Delhi government has carried out two rounds of cloud-seeding operations aimed at improving air quality.

7 Key precautions you can take to stay safe

Add Zee Business as a Preferred Source

• Taking care of your health is your responsibility, follow essential precautions to stay safe and protected during periods of poor air quality:
• Avoid heavy exercises such as running or jogging outdoors, as spending more time outside and engaging in intense physical activity can increase your breathing rate, causing you to inhale more polluted air and harmful particles.
• Always wear a mask when going outside. Doctor suggests to wear N95/99 masks whenever step out, protects you from inhaling bad air.
• Bring home air-purifying indoor plants like Aloe Vera, Ivy, and Spider Plant. These plants not only help clean the air and keep your surroundings fresh but also require very little maintenance. With minimal effort, they can make a big difference in improving the air quality inside your home. You can also put these plants at your work place.
• The use of an air purifier is applicable in both the home and office to make the quality of indoor air better. This equipment is of great assistance for small kids and aged relatives who have a greater aversion to unclean air. An air purifier take away the dangerous particles and guarantees that you inhale cleaner, fresher air inside.

Read Also: Delhi-NCR AQI Today: Air quality improves but remains in ‘poor’ category; visibility clears in these regions

• Keep a regular check on the Air Quality Index (AQI) through official government websites. It helps you stay updated about the pollution levels in your city so you can plan your day and activities accordingly to stay safe and healthy.
• Take healthy diet, which includes Vitamin C, and omega-3 fatty acids in your diet to help your body fight from bad air. A balanced diet strengthen your immunity and protect your body from harmful germs and bacteria present in the air.
• Nutritionists suggest that adding seasonal vegetables like carrots, spinach, sweeet potatoes, pumpkin which are rich in Vitamin A. And also include Vitamin C from sources like lemon, amla and citric fruits.
• Taking a steam bath can help your body flush out toxins, promoting better detoxification and overall wellness.