Air pollution: 5 signs you're breathing toxic air and how to combat effects of pollutants

Recently, a report by the World Health Organisation (WHO) revealed that more than two million premature deaths occur in India every year due to air pollution. This accounts for about 25 per cent of the global deaths due to poor air quality.  The Dr.  in an article , noted that over seven million people die as a result of air pollution every year, while nine out of 10 people worldwide breathe toxic air. Air pollution affects human health, leading to a number of health conditions - such as cardiovascular damage, respiratory diseases, nervous system damage, and even premature death. Our physical and psychological well-being is affected differently by the kind of air pollutants we are exposed to. As Delhi continued to battle alarming levels of pollution, let’s try to understand what are the signs you’re breathing toxic air and whether if there’s anything you can do about it.

What are the signs and symptoms associated with poor air quality?

Coughing - breathing polluted air can cause a dry cough. This can occur even in otherwise healthy people, who haven't previously been diagnosed with any sort of lung condition.
Irritation of the eyes or throat - air pollutants can lead to irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and skin. Toxic pollutants can also cause more serious reactions, including respiratory illness, allergies or other serious health conditions.
Breathing problems - According to the scientists, one major sign that you’re breathing toxic pollutants is feeling out of breath or struggling to breathe. 
Dizziness and nausea - Pollutants, such as carbon monoxide, can interfere with the delivery of oxygen throughout the body, which may cause fatigue, headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion and disorientation when inhaled at high levels.
Asthma attack - For people with existing conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), breathing polluted air can exacerbate the symptoms, resulting in an asthma attack. According to the British Lung Foundation, those with COPD could also experience a flare-up, making them produce more mucus, feel more breathless, or a cough more.

Steps you can take to minimise exposure to pollution and protect your health

• Reduce your driving, instead, try to use public transportation, or ride a bicycle to work. You can also walk or carpool to reduce emissions.
• If you drive, maintain your car in good shape, and reduce the number of trips you take in your car.
• Conserve electricity - at home or at work.
• Use energy efficient lighting and appliances whenever possible.
• Avoid burning leaves, trash, and other materials.
• Avoid or limit physical activity outdoors when pollution levels are high.
• Eat a healthy diet consisting of fresh fruits and vegetables that are rich in nutrients and antioxidants to boost immunity and minimise the effects of air pollution. Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables will also help reduce lung swelling and irritation.
• Include some spices and herbs in your daily diet to counter the negative effects of pollutants and overcome infections.
• Make sure that you check daily air pollution forecasts in your area.

To help prevent the adverse impacts of air pollution, real change must occur on a global level. However, everyone needs to make strong commitments and take actions, even at the individual level, to reduce emissions of dangerous pollutants and minimise health risks associated with air pollution.

How to protect your eyes from smog and toxic pollutants

Air pollution can cause serious health problems, including breathing difficulties, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. It can affect your eyes, which are sensitive and prone to irritations from allergies, chemicals, and pollutants in the air. As the pollution levels increase, many people experience problems like dry eyes or allergic conjunctivitis, burning sensation, itchy and sore eyes, sensitivity to air and sun and mild blurring of vision, etc.

Air pollution and eye care

Here are a few precautions you can take to help minimise the risk of eye infections from smog and other air pollutants.

• Avoid exposure to harmful pollutants and stay indoors, especially in the early hours of the morning when the pollution levels are at their peak - this is the golden rule.
• If you have to step out, make sure you wear protective eyeglasses and shades which will help minimise your exposure to the pollution causing agents.
• Wash your eyes thoroughly with clean, running water every morning, after reaching home from school/college/work and before going off to sleep.
• Wash your hands often and avoid rubbing your eyes even if particulates enter them.
• Use lubricating eye drops prescribed by eye specialists.
• Do not wear contact lens and eye makeup if your eyes are itchy or feeling sore.
• Apply a cool compress to help reduce inflammation. 
• Do not use screen devices, such as mobile phones and laptops, for long hours. Make sure that you get adequate periods of rest to avoid eye fatigue, dry eyes, and computer vision syndrome.
• Eat a healthy diet consisting of foods rich in omega 3s and antioxidants, such as fish, green leafy vegetables, carrots, spinach, almonds, walnuts, and berries - these are extremely good for the eyes.
• Install a high-quality air filter or air purifier system at home to help protect your eyes and overall health from pollutants.
• Avoid using decongestant eye formulation without medical supervision. 
• See an ophthalmologist if you have red eyes, discharge, constant foreign body sensation or allergic symptoms.

Take a pledge today to contain pollution, after all, every small effort matters and everyone needs to do their own part urgently in this matter! 

Effects of air pollution on children’s health - from asthma to obesity and diabetes

Air pollution affects everyone, killing millions of people worldwide every year. However, some groups of people may be more vulnerable to the harmful effects or air pollution than others. Perhaps, studies suggest that different pollutants may affect these groups differently. It has been proven that the elderly, children, pregnant women, and people with pre-existing conditions - such as asthma, lung disease, cardiovascular ailments - face greater risk from air pollution. .

Recently, the World Health Organisation warned that exposure to toxic air both indoors and outdoors kills some 600,000 children under the age of 15 each year. According to health experts, while most children may not be affected by short-term peaks in ambient air pollution, some individuals, such as those with existing heart or lung conditions, may experience increased symptoms. In this article, let us try to understand how toxic air can affect the health and well-being of children and young adults. 

Asthma

According to Asthma specialists, young adults and children with underlying chronic health conditions, such as asthma, are more likely to be affected by air pollution as they have faster breathing rates and their lungs are still developing. Children living in areas with high pollution levels face an increased risk of having reduced lung function as adults. Also, long-term exposure to high concentrations of air pollution may cause asthma in children.

Lung development

Air pollution limits lung development in children. It has been found that children aged between 8-10 years old, who live in highly polluted areas, have up to 10% less lung capacity than normal. Researchers suggested that this reduced lung growth or lung function may never recover to the full capacity.

Obesity and diabetes

There is evidence suggesting that exposure to ambient air pollution may contribute to the development of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Researchers found that children aged 8 to 15 who were exposed to higher levels of air pollution had a lower insulin sensitivity. These children were also found to have a decline in beta-cell function and a higher body mass index (BMI) at age 18. Children, whose lungs are still growing and developing, face special risk from air pollution due to several reasons - their immune and metabolic system are still developing, they suffer from frequent respiratory infections, etc.

Autism

A recent study, published in the journal Environment International, warned that air pollution increases a child’s risk of developing autism spectrum disorder by up to 78 per cent. While the causes of autism are complex and not fully understood, researchers note that environmental factors are increasingly recognised in addition to genetic and other factors. “The developing brains of young children are more vulnerable to toxic exposures in the environment and several studies have suggested this could impact brain function and the immune system,” a Chinese said.
Research has shown that exposure to air pollution during pregnancy can harm brain development and contribute to behavioural and cognitive problems later in childhood.

5 home remedies to combat  air pollution - Turmeric milk, home-made butter, ginger and basil tea

To help you deal with  toxic air and reduce your risk of health problems, we have compiled a list of home remedies that are effective and easy to prepare as well. These remedies will cleanse your lungs, improve digestion and immunity, and detoxify your body. What’s even more, it will also help you shed the festive weight you’ve gained in a healthy way.

Home remedies for fighting air pollution

Ginger and basil tea: Boil 1-2 glasses of water in a teapot. Add a spoon of grated ginger and 5-6 leaves of tulsi or basil leaves to the boiling water. Brew it for 5 minutes and strain off ginger and basil leaves. You can add a dash of honey or jaggery to your potion. Both honey and jaggery have are well-known for their ability to fight air pollution. 
Turmeric milk: Just add a teaspoon of turmeric powder or paste to a glass of milk. You can add a few leaves of tulsi and grated ginger. Let it boil for 4-5 minutes. Add honey and consume it warm.
Herbal drink: Herbal teas, such as peppermint tea, are an excellent remedy to ease congestion in the respiratory tract. You can also add honey or jaggery to enhance the taste. Herbal teas are packed with antioxidants that can help you fight air pollution and keep you from certain diseases. Drink it everyday to stay fit and healthy. 
Ghee: Have a spoon of warm ghee or just add it to your foods. You can also simply massage your nostrils and feet using some warm ghee. It is claimed that ghee, a class of clarified butter, can reduce the ill effects of pollutants, including lead and mercury, in the air.
Garlic and onions: Include garlic and onions in your daily diet to improve your immunity and prevent infections. Onions and garlic are loaded with antioxidants that are known to prevent diseases like asthma and improve overall health.

 

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