Effective Strategies to Keep Indoor Air Pollution at Bay This Winter

New Delhi, November 1 (Daily Kiran) : As winter arrives, the air quality index (AQI) in Delhi-NCR and various parts of Northern India often reaches alarming levels. While many feel secure indoors, studies by the World Health Organization (WHO) reveal that indoor pollution can also be quite high.

Keeping doors and windows shut to ward off the cold traps pollutants inside. To transform homes into safe havens, adopting scientific and practical measures becomes crucial.

Poor ventilation allows fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) from outside to accumulate indoors. Additionally, everyday activities such as cooking, burning incense, and sweeping can significantly increase indoor pollution levels. Reports indicate that a burning mosquito coil or incense stick can generate particulate matter equivalent to 75 to 100 cigarettes. Moreover, essential oil diffusers release high volumes of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can harm respiratory health.

For accurate air quality monitoring, residents are encouraged to use the ‘Sameer’ app developed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), which provides real-time AQI data.

Using air purifiers equipped with True HEPA filters is considered one of the most effective ways to clean indoor air, capturing 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. Combining HEPA filters with activated carbon filters can effectively remove gases and VOCs.

It is advisable to avoid purifiers that generate ions or ozone, as these can produce secondary pollutants. When selecting a machine, it is essential to consider the appropriate Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) based on the room size.

Devices used to heat rooms in winter can also impact air quality. Blowers or halogen heaters tend to dry out the air, while oil-filled radiators maintain humidity and oxygen levels, making them safer for respiratory health.

In addition to technology, natural solutions play a vital role. According to NASA’s extensive research, certain plants can significantly enhance indoor air quality. The Areca palm converts carbon dioxide into oxygen during the day, requiring four plants per individual at shoulder height. The snake plant continues to produce oxygen at night, making it ideal for bedrooms. The money plant effectively removes formaldehyde and other harmful volatile chemicals from the air.

During cleaning, using a dry broom can stir dust particles back into the air, so it’s better to opt for wet mopping. The dry winter air can irritate respiratory passages, so maintaining indoor humidity levels between 30 to 50 percent is essential for lung comfort and to prevent dust from becoming airborne.

In addition to keeping homes clean, boosting the body’s immunity is crucial in the fight against pollution. According to Ayurveda and nutrition experts, incorporating vitamin C-rich foods, such as amla and jaggery, can strengthen the respiratory system. The antioxidants in jaggery are particularly effective in detoxifying the lungs by removing accumulated particles and toxins.

Tackling indoor air pollution is vital for health, especially during the winter months.