New Delhi. If there is pollution in our city, then we are always worried. This has always been a topic of discussion. We may or may not realize it, but all of us are affected by air pollution. Air pollution is neglected in Indian households but serious efforts are needed to reduce and eliminate its risks. But the question is, how aware are people in this matter? These questions have been answered by Muzaffar Izamuddin, Design Manager, Environmental Care, Dyson.
1. Can air pollution be invisible?
Yes, but air pollution gets attention when we see smog or haze in the atmosphere. People often forget that visible pollution is not only harmful, but invisible pollution, such as nitrogen oxide, remains in the atmosphere throughout the year and can be equally dangerous.
2. If there is pollution in the outside environment, is it better to stay indoors?
Home is not always safe and indoor pollution is more dangerous than outside pollution. Pollution is also generated inside the house through daily activities. Also, pollution from outside also comes into the house. The house becomes a complex cocktail of pollutants. We think that we stop pollution from entering the house by closing our houses from all sides but it is wrong to think that.
Every day we breathe in about 9,000 liters of air and spend 90 percent of our time behind closed doors. VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) from cleaning solvents, deodorants and scented candles are common indoor air pollutants in daily activities. Other indoor pollutants are gas emissions from cooking and formaldehyde from central heating, mold, allergens, pollen, pet dander, or large-scale furniture. Whether we are at home or in the office, the air we are breathing is very harmful. An air purifier with a HEPA filter and activated carbon filter to filter out both pollutant particles and toxic gases from the air can go a long way in purifying indoor air.
3. Is indoor pollution more harmful or outdoor?
Indoor and outdoor air pollution are often thought of as two different things, but outdoor pollution, such as vehicular smoke, pollen, and mold spores, can also enter indoors. Also, pollutants present inside the house, such as smoke from burning wood and cooking, and gas are released out of the building through ventilation. By continuing this process, the difference between indoor and outdoor pollution is reduced. We can make the indoor air pure by using air purifier.
4. Is pollution a seasonal problem?
This problem persists for 365 days. Different types of pollutants increase in the atmosphere due to different temperatures, climates, and human activities in different seasons. Deteriorating air quality is a global problem and India is among the countries most affected by it. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 37 of the 50 most polluted cities in the world are in India.
5. How is our life affected by air quality?
Air quality is a complex issue, and its impact depends on many factors. These factors include age, location, health, how agile we are and how long the exposure lasts.
6. What is AQI/Air Quality Index and why should we be cautious about AQI ranking?
Air Quality Index (AQI) is an index of air quality on a daily basis. AQI measures the impact of air pollution on a person’s health over a short period of time. The purpose of AQI is to help people understand how local air quality affects their health. It is a scale, which runs from 0 to 500. Higher the AQI, more will be the air pollution and more will be the health problems.
7. What are the tips for maintaining a healthy AQI?
There is nothing we can do to control the quality of the air we exhale. But you can take the following measures to keep your home free from pollutants.
Vacuum regularly: When you clean the dust off the sofa or play with the pillows, you see dust mites in the air. This dust stays in the indoor environment and goes into the lungs with the breath. However, you can easily reduce these dust mites indoors by vacuuming regularly.
Reduce the use of Saints: Some things, which we use at home, such as scented candles, can cause air pollution inside the house. Instead of completely stopping lighting candles, use them in moderation and generally use them in the evening.
Ensure ventilation while cooking: Frying in oil pollutes the air by reaching fine particles and burning of gas stove releases gases like nitrogen dioxide. Kitchen appliances should be ventilated while cooking, or windows should be opened to let out the polluted air, or use mechanical ventilation such as a purifying fan, which filters out pollutants.
Use air purifier: A good air purifier is not only capable of filtering out allergens and pollutants as small as PM0.1, but it should also be able to filter harmful gases such as VOCs, nitrogen dioxide, etc., to keep the air in the entire room pure .
