Can you discuss how to protect yourself from poor air quality outside

Protecting Yourself from Poor Outdoor Air Quality

When the air quality outside is poor, it can lead to a range of health issues from difficulty breathing to serious heart and lung problems. Ensuring your safety in such circumstances is of paramount importance.

How to know when air quality is poor

Many weather apps and websites report the Air Quality Index (AQI). The AQI rates air cleanliness in terms of particulates in the air. An AQI over 100 is considered unhealthy for sensitive people, and an AQI over 150 is unhealthy for everyone.

Reducing exposure to poor outdoor air quality

The best way to reduce exposure to harmful outdoor air is to stay indoors as much as possible when the air quality is poor. When you do go outside, try to avoid strenuous activity which can make you breathe harder and inhale more pollution.

Using protection

If you must go outside, consider using a mask that can filter out particulates in the air. Make sure it fits tightly to prevent particles from leaking in around the edges of the mask.

Staying healthy

A healthy diet and regular exercise can help your body better resist the effects of air pollution. Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke, both of which can compound the problems caused by poor air quality.

(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020; World Health Organization, 2021)