Another day when Delhi again woke up to thick layer of smog, with the city's average AQI at 414. The PM2.5 levels are at 395.47, PM10 at 363.7, and the air quality falls under 'Hazardous'. Amid all this, even the Supreme Court has directed advocates to choose virtual hearings over appearing in person in courts. While Delhi continues to battle with toxic fog, doctors are calling it a public health emergency, and urging people to follow measures to keep themselves safe. One such set of measures are given by Dr Ashok Seth, Padma Bhushan Awardee and Chairman of Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, as reported by PTI. Dr Seth suggests five essential steps for people to reduce the damage from the toxic air. Five-Step Protection From Delhi's Toxic AirLimit Going OutdoorsThe PM 2.5 concentration in Delhi is 53.6 times the World Health Organization (WHO)'s annual PM2.5 guideline value. This pollutant is so small that it can enter from one's blood into the blood stream and could cause damage to every organ, points out Dr Sandeep Nayar, Principal Director and HOD, Chest and Respiratory Diseases at BLK Max Super Specialty Hospital in Delhi. To be safe from these pollutants, Dr Seth suggests to limit outdoor exposure. “Step one: go out as little as possible. And if you absolutely must step out, do so only with an N95 mask, the same kind we all used during COVID. These masks significantly reduce the intake of PM2.5 particles.”Get VaccinatedDr Seth says that elderly, heart patient, and other vulnerable people, who may have any comorbidities must get vaccinated against pneumonia and common viral infections. "If you are elderly, a heart patient, or otherwise vulnerable, make sure you’re vaccinated against pneumonia and common viral infections. Chest infections rise tremendously during this season, and vaccination offers vital protection," he notes. Do Not Go For Your Morning Walks Or Exercise"Avoid exercising outdoors entirely," says Dr Seth. "Whether it’s cycling, using a static bike, or doing yoga, keep all your workouts indoors for now.”Use An Air Purifier Dr Seth suggests that keeping an air purifier could help you breathe cleaner air. "If it is within your means, keep at least one air purifier at home so the air you breathe indoors is cleaner and safer.”Indoor Plants"Grow green plants inside your home. Plants naturally help purify the air and increase oxygen levels," suggests Dr Seth. In fact, a NASA study also notes that certain plants could help improve indoor air quality. These plants with the help of their leaves and roots remove trace levels of toxic vapors from inside sealed buildings, notes the study. Some of these plants that improve indoor air quality include:Snake PlantSpider PlantPeace LilyEnglish IvyAreca PalmLastly, Dr Seth reminds that eating the right food, and maintaining a balanced diet is utmost important to build one's immunity against pollution. As he says, "Most importantly, stay positive, eat healthy, drink plenty of water, and build your immunity, these small habits go a long way during heavily polluted months.”
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