To dodge air pollution and prevent respiratory issues, Dr Harish Chafle, pulmonology and critical care, Global Hospitals Parel Mumbai and Dr Sumeet Singhania, consultant, pulmonary medicine, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital Mumbai share tips. File Pic
Choose firecrackers that are labelled as environment-friendly or those that emit less smoke and noise. This reduces the overall impact on air quality significantly.
Avoid being outdoors for long hours, especially during peak hours when pollution levels are generally higher. Avoid areas where fireworks are frequent.
Patients with respiratory problems should try to keep their windows and doors closed during the peak hours of pollution. Those who have an underlying lung condition should prefer to stay home.
Use air purifiers if necessary to maintain indoor air quality. Invest in air purifiers that remove harmful pollutants from the air, such as smoke particles, dust, pollen, and pet dander. It’s important to choose an air purifier with a HEPA filter as these filters are highly efficient at trapping small particles.
Protect yourself from inhaling harmful pollutants by wearing an appropriate face mask whenever you step out during Diwali festivities.
Limit your use of firecrackers, and limit the number of dhup agarbattis (incense stick) you burn inside the house during Diwali puja. Some people tend to burn a lot of dhup inside the house which increases the amount of pollution.
Check for pollution forecasts before planning your day. Avoid stepping out if the pollution is predicted to touch a severe quality.
Photo Courtesy: iStock
ADVERTISEMENT
