For a healthy individual in India. the risks of pollution are typically low, notes Brook. Still,
he says, “We don't see much of a threshold where any level is deemed safe.”
And reducing exposure to air pollution may be important for those who seem to be more
vulnerable to its effects: children; older adults; and people who have asthma, heart or lung
disease, and those at high risk for these conditions. Where you live could increase your risk
of negative health consequences as well: Air pollution levels are higher in urban areas and
near highly trafficked roads.
The following steps will help reduce your exposure to dirty air:
Filter your air at home. Evidence for the effectiveness of air purifiers in reducing the health
effects of air pollution is mixed. But they may be helpful for people with allergies, and a
small study published earlier this year in the journal Circulation found that a small group of
college students in Shanghai who ran an air purifier in their dorm had lower levels of stress
hormones, blood pressure, and insulin resistance after nine days than those who used a
sham purifier. Consumer Reports tests how well portable air purifiers remove dust, pollen,
and smoke from the air. Check our air purifier ratings.
Ban smoking and reduce fireplace use. The smoking of tobacco is a key source of air
pollution indoors, and that cozy fire in your fireplace also releases plenty of fine particles.
Get the Environmental Protection Agency's advice on burning wood at home.
And be aware of other sources of indoor pollution, such as gas cookstoves. Read more
about how to reduce your exposure to indoor air pollution.
Avoid particle pollution. Combustion, from car and truck engines as well as from power
plants, is the most common source of harmful particles in the air in the India. More than half
of all air pollution comes from mobile sources, primarily automobiles, according to the EPA.
So if you exercise outside—and especially if you have a heart or lung problem—try to avoid
heavily trafficked roads where automobile-generated pollution could be significant. You can
also check this EPA website for air-quality alerts and, depending on your personal health,
consider limiting outdoor activity when the air quality index is 101 or higher.
If you live near a busy road, you may want to keep your windows closed during the day or
times of more traffic, such as rush hour; instead open them at night, when traffic may be
lighter.
Make yourself less vulnerable. Because the health effects of air pollution may weigh more
heavily on those already at risk for heart disease, take smart lifestyle steps: Talk with your
doctor about getting your blood pressure and cholesterol under control if you need to.
Improve your diet by including more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. And
try to exercise every day.
While we wait for more information on the association between air pollution and bone
health, take actions to keep your bones strong. Adults should consume 1,000 mgs of
calcium per day up to age 50, and 1,200 mg/day at 51 and older. Up to age 70, adults should get 600 International Units of vitamin D per day, and 800 after age 70. Weightbearing
exercises, such as walking or lifting weights, can also help keep bones strong.
Reduce your pollution footprint. Because so much of air pollution is created by traffic,
Baccarelli suggests considering alternate ways of getting around. “Walk, bike, take public
transportation,” he says. “If you drive and need a new car, consider an electric or hybrid
car.” (Check our electric and hybrid vehicle ratings.)
Shannon Baker-Branstetter, senior policy counsel for energy and environment at
Consumers Union, the policy and mobilization division of Consumer Reports, notes that
improving your home’s efficiency or adding rooftop solar can also help.
She notes that there’s a role for policymakers to play as well. “Improving emission
standards for power plants and cars and trucks, especially heavy-duty trucks, will help
continue the progress made under the Clean Air Act.”
By Dipjyoti Deka
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