How to Stay Safe from Pollution in Delhi: Key Do's and Don'ts
A comprehensive guide to protecting yourself from air pollution in Delhi NCR, including practical tips and common mistakes to avoid.
Delhi NCR is constantly struggling with air pollution, especially in winter when smog covers the area. This seasonal issue is caused by things like burning crop residue in nearby states, car emissions, factory pollutants, and weather conditions, all of which seriously affect public health. The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a program started by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) along with state governments to lessen the effects of air pollution.
GRAP divides pollution into levels—moderate, poor, very poor, severe, and emergency—and outlines steps to reduce pollution and protect people. Measures under GRAP include stopping construction work, limiting truck traffic, creating areas with no vehicles, and closing schools during high pollution times. Keeping up with the GRAP status helps people take the right actions to reduce their exposure to harmful air and stay healthy.
This article offers a complete guide to staying safe amid Delhi's pollution, providing practical tips and pointing out common mistakes to avoid.
12 Ways to Protect Yourself from Pollution in Delhi NCR
1. Get an Air Purifier
Air purifiers are crucial for better indoor air, especially in polluted areas like Delhi NCR. The World Health Organization (WHO) shows that indoor air pollution greatly contributes to lung and heart diseases. Air purifiers with HEPA filters can effectively remove pollutants like PM2.5, VOCs (volatile organic compounds), and allergens.
For best results, place the air purifier in your bedroom or living room and keep it running all day during high pollution periods.
2. Wear a Mask Outside
Breathing polluted air on bad AQI days can worsen lung problems. High-quality masks, such as N95 or N99 types, can filter out up to 95% of harmful particles. These masks are especially useful for people who travel daily or work outside.
Avoid masks that don't fit well, as gaps can let in pollutants. Change disposable masks regularly and clean reusable ones to keep them effective.
3. Check Air Quality Often
Knowing the air quality index (AQI) is the first step to planning your day. Tools like grapstatus, and apps like AirVisual, SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research), and AQI India, provide live data and health advice.
On days when AQI is "very poor" or "severe," think about moving outdoor activities and spending less time outside.
4. Add Plants Indoors
Indoor plants like spider plants, peace lilies, and bamboo palms can help clean the air by taking in toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide. While they don't remove as much pollution as air purifiers, they make your home environment better.
NASA's Clean Air Study recommends having 1-2 plants for every 100 square feet to help improve air quality.
5. Reduce Outdoor Activities
Activities like jogging or biking outside expose you to harmful pollutants, especially during peak times when car emissions are highest. Avoid outdoor exercise in the early mornings and evenings in winter, as pollution levels rise due to temperature changes.
Instead, choose indoor workouts or exercise in places with lower pollution, such as parks with air-cleaning systems.
6. Keep Doors and Windows Shut
Keeping your home closed off from outside air is important on high pollution days. Use weather strips to seal gaps around doors and windows. Plan ventilation carefully—only open windows when AQI levels are moderate or good.
To further improve indoor air, use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms to remove indoor pollutants.
7. Use Exhaust Fans When Cooking
Cooking creates harmful gases and particles, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and PM2.5. Make sure your kitchen has a strong exhaust fan or chimney to remove smoke and stop it from building up inside.
Induction cooktops, which produce fewer pollutants than gas stoves, are also a good choice for those worried about indoor air pollution.
8. Stay Hydrated and Eat a Healthy Diet
Pollution can cause stress in the body, so it's important to stay hydrated and eat foods rich in antioxidants. Green vegetables, citrus fruits, nuts, and seeds can help fight the harmful effects of free radicals from air pollution.
Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods like fish and flaxseeds, may also help reduce inflammation caused by breathing in particulate matter.
9. Use a Dehumidifier
Delhi's winter months can bring higher humidity indoors, which can lead to mold and mildew growth. Using a dehumidifier helps keep humidity levels in check, lowering the risk of respiratory irritation from these allergens.
Choose models with a built-in hygrometer to monitor indoor humidity, keeping it between 30% and 50%.
10. Don't Burn Candles and Incense
Although scented candles and incense sticks create a nice smell, they release tiny particles and harmful chemicals, adding to indoor pollution. Use alternatives like essential oil diffusers or LED candles to make your space pleasant without increasing pollutants.
11. Clean Air Filters in Appliances Regularly
Filters in air purifiers, air conditioners, and vacuum cleaners collect pollutants over time, making them less effective. Check and replace filters as recommended by the manufacturer to ensure your appliances work well.
12. Promote Carpooling and Public Transport
Car emissions are a major cause of Delhi's pollution. Sharing rides through carpooling or using public transport reduces the number of cars on the road, helping to lower emissions.
Apps like BlaBlaCar make carpooling easier, and Delhi's metro system offers a dependable and eco-friendly way to travel.
10 Essential Don'ts to Protect Yourself
1. Don't Do Outdoor Activities When Pollution is High
Doing intense outdoor activities when AQI levels are high can cause breathing problems, tiredness, and other health issues. Stay inside and use air purifiers during these times.
2. Don't Use Poor-Quality Masks
Cloth masks and basic surgical masks don't provide much protection against small particles. Always choose certified N95 or N99 masks for better protection.
3. Don't Smoke Inside
Smoking not only makes indoor air worse but also increases the risk of others breathing in secondhand smoke. Choose outdoor smoking areas away from homes.
4. Don't Ignore Signs of Pollution-Related Health Issues
Ongoing coughing, wheezing, or throat irritation may signal health problems caused by air pollution. Get medical help early to avoid complications.
5. Don't Let Your Vehicle Idle
Leaving your vehicle running while parked adds significantly to air pollution. Turn off the engine when waiting for long periods to reduce emissions.
6. Don't Burn Waste
Burning trash releases harmful toxins into the air, worsening local and regional air quality. Compost organic waste or dispose of it properly.
7. Don't Use Strong Cleaning Chemicals
Many cleaning products release VOCs, which can irritate your lungs. Choose natural or eco-friendly cleaning options instead.
8. Don't Forget to Ventilate When Needed
While keeping windows closed is important on high-pollution days, not ventilating on days with better AQI can trap indoor pollutants. Balance by airing out your home when air quality improves.
9. Don't Delay Car Maintenance
Cars that aren't maintained well emit more pollutants. Regularly service your vehicle and check parts like the exhaust system and catalytic converter.
10. Don't Disregard GRAP Rules
GRAP steps are made to reduce pollution effectively. Stay updated and follow rules, such as avoiding diesel generators or limiting the use of personal vehicles.
Conclusion
Delhi NCR's pollution problem is a big challenge, but with smart choices and active steps, people can protect their health. The GRAP system, along with tools like grapstatus, offers important guidance during tough pollution times. By following the tips in this article and avoiding common errors, residents can lower their exposure to harmful air. Working together and staying aware are essential to creating a healthier environment for everyone.
By adding these habits to your daily routine, you not only protect your own health but also help improve air quality across the region.