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If you are living in India, you can’t have missed the recent news of our capital city’s very poor air quality in the last few days. The air quality in Delhi got so bad that people couldn’t step out of their homes. The effects of air pollution can be dangerous to humans. And it’s not just the people living in Delhi who must be breathing in toxic air. Have you ever wondered if the air we breathe is clean? In all probability, even we may be breathing contaminated air. Just look around you – we all share the same air which consists of harmful pollutants and chemicals released from the industry, car exhaust, wildfires, and many more. Air pollution has become commonplace nowadays because we are used to living our life in poor air quality. But the effects of air pollution can be hazardous for humans, especially kids. Kids are delicate beings and breathing in such toxic air can be life-threatening. And as concerned parents, we understand that you must be desperate to protect your kids from its harmful effects. But first, it’s important to know the effect it can have on human life so that you understand the gravity of the situation.
Effects Of Breathing Polluted Air
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You don’t need to be a genius to know that breathing contaminated air is harmful to our respiratory system. But we often turn a blind eye toward it unless it is affecting our everyday lives. But if not immediate, constantly breathing air of poor quality can wreak havoc in our lives in the long run. And it can lead to acute conditions or even the death of our loved ones. And if you feel you are resistant to the harmful effects of air pollution because you were able to live your life fine up until now, then you are just being ignorant. Just because there are no immediate symptoms now doesn’t mean that it cannot appear years or even decades later. Like we mentioned before, our lungs are the ones that are most affected by this. Air pollution can cause asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, and even lung cancer in adults and kids alike (1). And if you are living in a city, the air you breathe likely contains carcinogens that can cause lung cancer.
Here’s How You Can Protect Your Child From Pollution
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Kids are more susceptible to pollution and it’s harmful effects than us. And though major regulations have to be enforced from the higher levels, we can’t just sit and wait around when our kid’s life is at stake. So here are ways that you can protect your kid from air pollution:
1. Stay Indoors
This is if the air quality is very poor. So, during those intense smog hours or days, it is best to stay indoors.
2. Wear Air Masks
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Make sure your kids are wearing an air mask when stepping outside. Though they cannot completely protect your kids, it can help to a certain extent by keeping away dust, pollutants, and viruses. Buy one that is made of comfortable fabric and your kid wouldn’t resist wearing it.
3. Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water can help flush out toxins from your kid’s body. So make sure they stay hydrated.
4. Get An Air Purifier
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If you aren’t using one already, it is ideal to buy an air purifier at home to keep away the allergens and dust particles.
5. Buy Indoor Purifying Plants
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Certains plants such as areca palm, aloe vera, and azalea can help purify the air. So it’s a good idea to keep those plants indoors.
6. Lastly, Don’t Add To It
Unfortunately, many people burn garbage or plastic in their backyard in the form of waste management. This can add to air pollution and make the air quality much worse.
Tips Pregnant Women Can Follow To Protect Their Unborn Child
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Here are some safeguards expectant moms can follow against the pollution:
- Stay indoors and minimize the exposure to outdoor air.
- Avoid exercising outdoors and go for indoor exercises such as yoga.
- Wear a good quality air mask when going outdoors.
- Inhaling steam every day can help clear out the nasal passage.
- Eat nutritious food and drink plenty of water.
We hope our tips help you in staying safe during pollution. If you or your child experience any symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing or irritation of nose, throat or eyes, consult a doctor immediately.
