Medical doctor Ritu Singh recently took to Instagram to share the “horrible” situation in Delhi, highlighting the city’s plummeting air quality. “If you are also stuck in Delhi like me and breathing the toxic, polluted air…immediately either leave Delhi. If you cannot leave, wear an N95 mask every time you are not near a HEPA filter, a good quality one in your home and office. Yes, spend all your hard-earned money on HEPA filters because your lungs are not replaceable,” said Singh, also a professor and HOD Deptt of Biochemistry, Lady Hardinge Medical College and Hospital Labs.
She listed a few ways that can “help a bit”.
*Do try to have a lot of green plants inside your house, like spider plants, snake plants, and aloe vera. It does help a bit.
*Try to have a lot of antioxidants like amla, oranges. It does help a bit.
“But our main target is not to take in any unfiltered air in these polluting times. This is horrible for our respiratory system, for our lungs, and our heart. Stay safe, guys, until we can think of long-term solutions. For now, just save your lungs,” said Dr Singh.
Keep your lungs safe (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
When pollution increases, the air fills with fine particulates that can reach deep into the lungs. “Particles irritate the airways, decrease lung capacity, cause coughing, and worsen breathing problems. Continuous exposure causes changes in the heart and blood vessels, too. For someone living through this daily, the constant inhalation of toxic particles can feel like the body is working overtime just to breathe normally,” described Dr Manas Mengar, consultant, pulmonology, KIMS Hospitals, Thane.
How effective is the use of an N95 mask to reduce exposure?
An N95 mask filters out most fine particulates, including the smallest ones that cause harm. “Wearing it every time one goes outdoors-or even indoors in poorly ventilated places-dramatically cuts down the amount of polluted air reaching the lungs. It does not solve pollution, but it protects the body in those high-risk periods. Consistency is the key here, not just casual use,” asserted Dr Mengar.
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Are HEPA air purifiers really worth investing in?
HEPA purifiers can noticeably improve indoor air, especially in bedrooms and workspaces where people spend long hours, said Dr Mengar. “They trap harmful particles, smoke residue, and allergens. For someone living in a city with persistent pollution, clean indoor air is a basic form of defence. It won’t fix the outdoors, but at least it gives your lungs a break,” said Dr Mengar.
Do indoor plants and antioxidants such as haldi, amla, and oranges help?
Plants may help a little with air freshness, but that is rather minor compared to a purifier, said Dr Mengar. “Antioxidant-heavy food supports the body in mitigating inflammation caused by pollutants. They will not ‘neutralise’ pollution but rather help the body cope better with it,” said Dr Mengar.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
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