Air pollution, from both indoor and outdoor pollutants, is a growing health concern no matter where you live.
If you live in an area like the West Coast, where wildfires are currently burning, you may find yourself more concerned than ever before about your air quality and wondering what you can do to protect yourself.
Before we dive into what we can do to protect ourselves from poor air quality, let’s take a closer look at what causes air pollution and how it can negatively affect our health.
What is air pollution?
Air pollution is the presence of substances in the atmosphere that are harmful to our health. It is caused by solid and liquid particles, and gases that are suspended in the air. These particles and gases come from a variety of both indoor and outdoor sources.
Types of Air Pollution
Indoor Pollution
Although it may be hard to believe, the air quality inside your home can be worse than the air outside. With the amount of time people spend inside their homes, especially during the current COVID-19 pandemic, indoor air quality is extremely important.
Common Indoor Air Pollutants:
- Mold
- Asbestos
- Second-hand smoke
- Carbon monoxide
- Radon gas
- Nitrogen dioxide
- Airborne lead
- Toxic cleaning products and air fresheners
Outdoor Pollution
Outdoor pollution primarily results from the combustion of fossil fuels by industrial plants and vehicles. This releases carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons and other pollutants (1).
Common Outdoor Air Pollutants:
- Ozone (O3)
- Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)
- Carbon Monoxide (CO)
- Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)
- Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5)
How does air pollution affect your health?
Poor air quality, whether from indoor or outdoor sources can make it difficult for your lungs to function properly, and can have negative health effects such as diseased of the heart and lungs, cancers and other health problems.
Short-term effects of air pollutants can cause:
- Illnesses such as pneumonia or bronchitis
- Irritation to the nose, throat, eyes, or skin
- Aggravated asthma and respiratory symptoms like coughing, wheezing or difficulty breathing
- Headaches, dizziness, and nausea
Long-term effects of air pollutants can cause:
- Development of asthma
- Decreased lung function
- Heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory diseases
- Damage to nerves, brain, kidneys, lungs, liver and other organs
How to Protect Yourself from Air Pollution
Know your air
It’s impossible to know the quality of the air by sight alone. It’s best to check the status with a trusted source online or download an app on your phone. Some of these include:
Stay Inside
Avoid outdoor air pollution by staying inside whenever possible, keep your windows and doors shut, and minimize the use of exhaust fans in your home as they bring in air from outside.
Don’t exercise outside
Although it can be a hassle changing your workout routine, focus on indoor activities if you typically exercise outside. Workouts you can try at home include:
- Yoga
- Pilates
- Stretching
- Jumping rope
- Rebounding on an indoor trampoline
- Strength training with free weights
Reduce chemicals in your home
Hazardous chemicals found in conventional cleaning products and air fresheners are a source of indoor air pollution. Now is the time to make the switch to non-toxic cleaning products! Some of my favorites include:
- Young Living Thieves Household Cleaner
- Branch Basics
Invest in an air purifier
Air purifiers can be useful for removing smoke, dust, and mold spores from your home. There are a number of different brands and models to choose from. I suggest doing your own research to find which air purifier works best for your needs.
Add air purifying plants to your home
Did you know that certain plants are known for their air cleaning abilities? Pretty fascinating! If you have pets at home, be sure to confirm which air-purifying plants are pet-safe before purchasing. Some air purifying plants include:
- Spider Plant
- English Ivy
- Snake Plant
- Aloe Vera
- Chinese Evergreen
Use a Neti Pot
Neti pots can help to relieve sinus irritants and symptoms caused by air pollution or allergies. They are an easy, non-toxic, and inexpensive way to clear nasal passages and remove excess mucus.
Supplement with NAC
N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is an antioxidant that can be helpful to add into your supplement protocol if you suffer with respiratory issues, are sick, or are in a poor air quality climate. It helps replenish the most powerful antioxidant in your body, glutathione. Pro Tip: It can also be used as a potential treatment for COVID-19 (2)!
*Consult with a healthcare professional before adding supplements to your routine
Pour a cup of Nettle Leaf Tea
Nettles are used in herbal medicine to reduce inflammation and support lung and respiratory health. Any easy way to enjoy the benefits of nettle leaf is to pour yourself a cup of nettle leaf tea.
Stay healthy
Ensure you are staying healthy to promote your overall health and protect your body from air pollution. Make sure you:
- Stay hydrated
- Eat a diet filled with properly prepared whole foods
- Enjoy organic fruits and veggies whenever possible
- Don’t smoke
Practice these 10 tips to protect you and your loved ones from the potentially harmful effects of air pollution!
PIN ME!
