No matter where you live in the world today, air pollution is all around us. Some places, especially large cities with lots of traffic and factories, have dangerous levels of air pollution. But even people in small towns and rural areas aren’t immune to effects of breathing in toxins every time they step outside.
Being aware of air pollution and its effects can help you take better care of your health while also reducing your own contribution to environmental damage. Here are some suggestions for reducing your air pollution exposure so that you can feel better with every breath.
Go the Road Less Traveled
Sometimes, different neighborhoods within the same city can have different pollution levels. Busy roads with lots of traffic will have more emissions in the air than quieter areas. When you drive, consider taking a parallel route instead of the more popular route. Exhaust fumes can collect and become concentrated in a vehicle because of the ventilation system. You can also reduce your exposure by traveling at non-peak hours of the day instead of during rush hour.
Stay in When Pollution Levels Are High
Check pollution forecasts each day so that you know whether the air quality is healthy or unhealthy. Going out of the house or not usually isn’t an option, especially for things like work and school. But if you can postpone running certain errands or just going for a scenic drive on high pollution days, you will reduce your exposure. Also, don’t exercise outside on high pollution days because you will be harming your lungs unnecessarily, especially if you could use an indoor gym or just walk around a shopping mall instead.
Get an Air Purifier
Something quick and easy you can do to reduce your pollution exposure is to buy an air purifier that is a HEPA (high efficiency particular arrestance) model. Check the size of the room that your air purifier is designed for so that it is as effective as possible. Wearing a high-quality mask while you are out and about may help with air purification as well.
Don’t Burn Trash or Wood
Burning wood creates smoke that releases small particles of pollution into the air and that can affect your lungs. You also create this kind of soot when you burn trash, which is a big source of particle pollution in many areas.
Rethink Your Landscaping
Keeping up the yard and landscaping is a hobby and source of pride for many homeowners, but you can breathe in less air pollution with a few simple changes. Avoid using gasoline-powered lawn care equipment, such as mowers and leaf blowers, as much as possible and choose electric or hand-powered options instead. Older models of gasoline powered equipment can really compromise the air quality around your home when used frequently.
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