Top 7 Tips on How to Protect Your Lungs from the Damaging Effects of Smog

With pollution firmly cemented as one of the most pressing issues of this generation, find out how to protect your lungs from the damaging effects of smog.

Smog is formed when a set of complex photochemical reactions occur, involving volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides and sunlight, which form ground level ozone. Pollutants are emitted by a range of sources including cars, power plants, chemical plants and many consumer products such as paint, hairspray, chemical solvents and people burning wood and coal for warmth or cooking. In typical urban areas, at least half of the precursors to smog come from cars, buses, trucks and boats.

Scientists have been studying the effects of smog on human health for many years and have uncovered a number of harmful health effects from this form of pollution. Smog has been shown to inflame and damage the lining of the lungs, and can irritate and inflame pulmonary membranes. This can lead to swelling and restricted airways. Inflammation can lead, in the short term, to shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing and chest pain, while chronic exposure to pollution has been linked to heart disease, colds, pneumonia, strokes and chronic respiratory diseases. People with asthma problems are under a greater threat: even minor exposure to smog may cause asthma attacks.

In a recent report, Beijing and New Delhi tied for the dubious honour of having the world’s worst air quality, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences has estimated that recent smog across China has affected over 800 million people. In fact, Beijing faced the most polluted air days in recent record when an air quality monitoring device atop the United States Embassy in Beijing recorded an air quality index rating of 755. Previously, an index rating of 500 was considered to be the highest result that could be recorded. The Environmental Protection Agency calls any reading between 301 and 500 hazardous, meaning people should avoid all outdoor activity. According to the World Health Organization, any air quality index reading of more than 500 is unsafe.

A study released by Greenpeace and Peking University’s School of Public Health related that elevated PM2.5 levels (the concentration of fine air particles that pose the greatest human health risk) contributed to 8,572 premature deaths in the cities of Beijing, Shanghai ,Guangzhou and Xian just last year. Children are especially at risk from smog for a variety of reasons, namely that they are more likely to exercise outside, breathe faster than adults, and are more susceptible to infections than adults.

With the dangers of smog a major concern in many industrialized areas, we’ve compiled a list of simple, effective tips for protecting you and your family from the dangers of smog and air pollution:

1.   Stay Smog Aware

If you live in a city that is commonly affected by smog, it is important to stay alert to the environmental conditions. In many cities around the world, daily air quality levels and air pollution forecasts are available. Make a habit of checking the air quality index before you leave the house, and plan outdoor activities accordingly; especially during the summer weather when smog is traditionally more potent.

2.   Avoid Congested Areas

If you walk frequently in a big city, try to choose routes away from major roads and streams of traffic whenever possible. If this is not a feasible option, it is advisable to avoid activity during rush hour, when levels of smog and particulate matter are quite high.

3.   Reduce Vehicle Use

There are a range of ways to reduce your environmental footprint; many of which ultimately assist in keeping the air cleaner for everyone. Through combining trips, carpooling, utilizing public transport or riding to work, everyone is able to positively contribute to minimizing smog.

4.   Use Less Energy at Home

Whilst not a response that will produce immediate results, it is important to recognize the long term consequences of our actions on the planet. Energy production is one of the key sources of air pollution. By reducing energy use, you are doing your bit to improve air quality, curb greenhouse gas emissions and save money in the meantime.

5.   Stay Indoors

Wherever possible during high smog conditions, the best means to avoid damaging health effects is to simply stay indoors in a cool, clean environment. Avoid exercising outdoors when pollution levels are high, avoid exercising near high traffic areas, and drink plenty of fresh water.

6.   Wear a Facemask with Pollutant Filter

Whilst they may not be this season’s hottest trend, facemasks offer a physical and filtered protection from the pollutants in the air. Thin, white carpenters’ masks or even a bandana can be used to reduce the amount of smog that enters your lungs.

7.   Consider a Move

If the level of pollution that you are being exposed to is negatively affecting your life on a continual basis, consider relocating to another location where the air is fresher and cleaner, and your lungs aren’t choked by serious levels of smog.

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