Eco-activists have prepared TOP-5 tips on how to protect yourself from the negative impact of inhaling air polluted by solid PM2.5 particles.
These substances cause the development of a number of serious diseases, therefore air quality is one of the basic factors of the post-war green reconstruction of Ukraine, reports SaveDnipro.
The authors said that such air pollution is a consequence of high levels of industrial pollution and industrialization, as well as war. Currently, it is almost impossible to find places with really clean air in the world.
They emphasized that the human body is able to excrete PM2.5 dust only in very small amounts, so it is important not to inhale it. After all, such dust can penetrate deep into the lungs and blood, causing:
- various lung and heart diseases;
- various types of cancer;
- neurodegenerative diseases;
- stress of immunity, due to which the human body becomes vulnerable to viruses and bacteria;
- increase the risk of premature death.
Eco-activists explained that PM2.5 has a moderately negative effect on health only when a person does not live in polluted atmospheric air, but breathes it only from time to time.
How to protect yourself from dust:
- Monitor air quality;
It is noted that when the air quality index AQI exceeds 100, it is worth limiting outdoor walks for children under 8 years old and abandoning outdoor sports. In addition, you should avoid places with heavy traffic.
Eco-activists also advise to join the fight for clean air, in particular, use local alternative means of transport, do not burn leaves, garbage, etc.
- Use protective masks;
The authors advised wearing disposable respirators rated N, P, and R if the air quality is hazardous.
- Use air purifiers with a mechanical or gas filter;
In the material, it was also advised to put chlorophytum or aloe vera at home, which are able to purify the air from PM2.5.
- Eat more vitamins;
Eco-activists explained that breathing in polluted air increases the amount of free radicals in our body and causes inflammation. Therefore, it is worth eating more foods with vitamins B, C, D, E and polyunsaturated fatty acids. It is recommended to eat foods such as leafy greens, citrus fruits, sprouts, fish, etc.
- Smart landscaping.
"Planting more trees and plants is an effective way to protect against air pollution," the authors emphasized.
They added that trees are also capable of sequestering up to 6 kilograms of carbon each year, which is especially relevant in light of the climate crisis.
"Start landscaping by creating "green walls" that will close your place of residence from roads and highways, because cars are one of the most active air polluters," ecoactivists said.
The article emphasized that in many regions of Ukraine, discussions and the beginning of reconstruction projects are starting, and it is important that the environmental component is taken into account during their development and implementation.
Earlier, EcoPolitic wrote, that research by scientists from Monash University, Australia, showed that over 99.9% of people on the planet breathe polluted air with an excessive content of solid particles PM 2.5.
As EcoPolitic previously reported, a study by the European Environment Agency showed that on the continent at least 1200 children die every year from the effects of breathing polluted air.
