Diwali time is all fun and games until we step out of our houses and all we see is the smog. Or worse even, when we are unable to breathe due to the pollution in the air. Diwali time can be catastrophic when it comes to our health, thanks to the pollution caused by us. The quality of air worsens around Diwali time due to the high concentration of PM2.5 particle that can enter the respiratory passage and cause irritation or shortness of breath.
Also, since Diwali falls during winter, gases released from firecrackers get trapped in mist, thereby increasing the effects of pollution. So, we got in touch with Gurgaon based General Physician, Dr Joyeeta Basu, to tell us what precautions we can take to avoid the health hazards during this time of the year.
Hi Doctor, since Diwali is coming up, we know despite the efforts, the city’s air is going to be polluted. Could you tell us the basic precautions which people can take during this time?
The basic precautions that people can take are to avoid exercising outdoors especially early mornings and evenings. You can exercise during the day or do it indoors.
Also, make sure to stay hydrated and eat a high protein diet. Remember to wear a mask when outdoors and avoid shaking hands with people who have infections. Make it a point to wash your hands frequently and avoid or rather quit smoking. Taking eco-friendly measures like carpooling or using public transport will also help!
What specific precautions would you suggest for babies and young children?
If you have babies and children in your house you must make sure to keep them away from dusty places. Parents must make sure their children’s immunization is up to date. It is also very important to keep the kids hydrated and ensure they are taking a good and proper diet.
How should people with asthma, allergies or any other chronic diseases deal with the situation?
If someone has asthma or is on immune suppressants or is diabetic, has heart disease or any chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), they should take the flu vaccines to prevent viral infections which is prevalent during this season. People with allergies and asthma should also take their inhalers regularly as required and should definitely take the pneumonia vaccine. They should also go for regular health check-ups.
Do air purifiers help to any extent?
Air purifiers definitely help. They circulate the air in a room and clean it by removing particulates and airborne chemical substances permanently. Essentially, they remove bothersome particles, odours, vapours, hair, and more to produce clean, healthy air. So yes, its a good idea to invest in them, especially for this time of the year! Also, leaving town and going to a place with better air quality could be an option for the elderly who are prone to frequent infections.
We know pollution masks are a good option. Could you tell us which one is good and with what specifications?
- The N95 mask should be your minimum criterion while buying a mask. Masks with N95 rating can filter up to 95 per cent of the harmful PM2.5 particulate matter, which tends to stay longer in the air and is thus more likely to be inhaled.
- Air masks with N99 and N100 ratings are also capable of filtering out PM2.5 airborne particulate matter with up to 99 per cent. However, like the N95 air masks, these are also not resistant to oil and oil-based pollutants. Brands like Vogmask, Cambridge and SmartAir sell N99 air masks online starting at around Rs. 175 per piece.
- Only the P-rated air masks can filter out oil-based pollutants, that too to an extent which is why they are a lot more expensive than their N-rated counterparts. The P-rated masks are available in India via Coleparmer.in at 10,900 per pack of 10 masks.
What can people do about burning eyes and ringing ears post-Diwali? Also, any specific precautions for senior citizens who may already be dealing with multiple ailments?
Unfortunately, the best way is to avoid burning eyes and ringing ears is to stay indoors as much as possible during and post-Diwali. One can also wear earplugs and take anti-allergic medications, if necessary. For older citizens, the Flu and Pneumonia vaccines make a huge difference. Those who are diabetic have to ensure their sugars are under control. They must also make it a point to have a good and well-balanced diet.
We hope you learnt a lot from our insightful conversation with Dr Joyeeta. Stay safe, people.
Featured Image Source: Newindianexpress
