Here is how you can beat the alarming pollution levels in Delhi

Delhi is experiencing its worst smog in last few years. Those in the city with access to information on how the smog is affecting their health, are looking for immediate solutions for this major health hazard. Obviously, air purifiers and masks seem like the only logical alternative for now.

However, AIIMS Director Randeep Guleria on Wednesday warned that N95 masks and air purifiers are not completely effective in the current scenario, as there has been a high surge in patients with respiratory problems and there could be a high fatality rate.

With the major pollutants across all the monitoring stations in the region crossing the 'severe' level by Wednesday evening, here is how you can beat the alarming pollution levels.

Restrict your outdoor activity

First of all, restrict your outdoor activity as much as possible. Not just early morning walks and jogs but, outing in the late evening in this polluted air will do more harm than good as walking uses more energy which makes breathing faster and leads to more inhalation of toxic particles in the air. This would have an adverse effect on the health of people, more so for the elderly and children. Avoid functions in open during this period.

Avoid diesel cars

Both diesel and petrol are polluting, but studies have shown that diesel cars are many times worse than petrol ones. Even the advance Euro 6 ones, which India is scheduled to get in April 2020, have failed emission tests. Diesel cars and SUVs should be dis-incentivized in Delhi, as many other cities around the world are doing.

Drink lots of water

Opt for a balanced diet and ensure that you drink lots of water to flush off pollutants. You can add basil leaves and honey to your diet to boost the immune system.

Avoid peak Traffic hours

Avoid peak traffic hours: Several offices these days give an option of working from home. But if that is not possible, people should avoid peak traffic hours as pollution levels rise during those timings. It is also advisable to go for carpools and avoid taking two wheelers to skip the bad air. Photo credit: PTI

Happy home remedies to tide you over

Smog can facilitate the spread of viral infections from small throat irritation, so it must not be taken lightly. Try to take a steam with a few drops of eucalyptus oil every day in the evening to relax your air-passages and help your body remove the harmful substances. Also, Consume jaggery and honey as they make your immune system rock solid.

Installing certain indoor plants like Snakeplant, Golden Pothos, English Ivy can prove beneficial in eliminating pollutants from the air.

Stay covered up

It's slowly but, surely getting colder. Studies have found that air pollution has a whole range of effects on your skin - from premature ageing to diseases like eczema. This is the perfect time to put on your winter wear - or to just ensure that your entire body is covered.

Ensure your eyes, nose, mouth, and ears are covered. While it is not a foolproof method, it certainly limits the number of toxins we inhale.

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