Air pollution, especially fine dust (PM2.5), has been a major problem in Hanoi and the Northern provinces, including the North Central provinces. Fine dust not only affects the health of adults but is also especially dangerous for children and the elderly. In addition, dry weather also increases respiratory problems. Here are easy-to-do preventive measures to protect your health and that of your family.
1. Update daily air pollution information
First of all, updating daily air pollution information is very important. You can easily track AQI (air Quality Index) through phone applications or websites such as IQAir, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. Lao Dong Newspaper regularly updates weather and climate bulletins. The AQI will tell you how much pollution you are and how safe you are when going out.
When AQI is at "Unhealthy", you should limit going out and if necessary, prepare protective measures.
2. Wearing a mask and using an air purifier
When going out on polluted days, wearing a vacuum cleaner is necessary, especially for masks that can filter fine dust like N95. This page helps prevent PM2.5 fine dust, effectively protecting the respiratory tract.
In addition, using an air purifier in the home also helps clean the living space, remove fine dust and pollutants in the air. An air purifier with HEPA filter will help keep your home air clean, minimizing the risk of respiratory diseases.
3. Limit outdoor activities during polluted days
During days with high pollution index, especially when AQI exceeds "Unhealthy" levels, you should limit going out, especially between 9am and 5pm, when polluted air is often at its highest level.
If you have to go out, you should choose areas with less dust, avoid going through crowded streets, construction areas or congested traffic areas.
4. Keep your living space clean and airy
During polluted days, keeping the living space clean will help reduce dirt in the house. Regular cleaning of surfaces, floors and furniture will help reduce dust. In addition, you should also close your windows when the air is polluted, so that dust and toxic gas do not get into the house.
A small tip is that you can use thick curtains to prevent fine dust from entering the room.
5. Drink enough water and take appropriate nutritional supplements
When the air is dry and polluted, the body is likely to lose water. Therefore, drinking enough water is very important to keep the body from getting dry, while helping to cleanse the body from the inside. In addition, supplementing foods rich in vitamin C, antioxidants such as oranges, tangerines, and watermelon will help strengthen the immune system and protect the body from the effects of fine dust.
6. Ensuring indoor air circulation
When the air outside is polluted, you need to ensure air circulation in the house. Open your windows early in the morning or evening when the air is fresh, helping the air in the house not to get cold. You can also use a fan to help circulate air in the room.
7. Avoid strong outdoor physical activities
When air pollution is high, you should avoid outdoor sports activities such as running, long walks or cycling, because when active, the body will inhale more fine dust. Instead, you can participate in indoor light exercise or attend online exercise classes.
