Tips: How To Keep Your Lungs Healthy During Smog Season

As winter approaches, it’s no surprise that air quality in the capital deteriorates steadily. The city is often engulfed in smog, reducing visibility and affecting health.  

What is Smog?  

Winter smog forms when the thin layer of atmosphere close to the Earth’s surface becomes cooler than the layers above it. According to London Air, this phenomenon is known as temperature inversion.  

During a temperature inversion, pollutants become trapped at ground level until weather conditions shift.  

How is winter smog harmful?  

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) warns that winter smog poses several health risks, including eye irritation, throat issues, and even cancer. NIH explains, “It can irritate our eyes, nose, and throat and can also cause existing heart and lung problems in people to worsen or lead to lung cancer if the exposure time of smog is long. It also leads to premature death.”

Tips to Keep Your Lungs Healthy During Smog Season  

While exposure to winter smog can be challenging to avoid, there are effective measures to protect your lungs and mitigate the risks of poor air quality. The American Lung Association (ALA) recommends the following tips for maintaining lung health:  

• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps maintain a healthy mucus lining in your respiratory system.  
• Increase fibre intake: Studies suggest that people with higher fibre consumption tend to have better lung function.  
• Limit outdoor exercise: Avoid exercising outdoors during smoggy conditions. Opt for indoor alternatives, such as climbing stairs or using indoor fitness equipment.  
• Reduce energy use: Contribute to cleaner air by conserving energy. The ALA notes that generating electricity and other energy sources contributes to air pollution.  
• Avoid burning wood and trash: Burning these materials significantly increases particle pollution in many regions.  
• Improve indoor air quality: Adopt air-purifying plants or invest in air purifiers to ensure cleaner indoor air.  
• Minimize gasoline-powered tools: Cutting down on the use of gasoline-powered equipment can also help reduce air pollution.

By adopting these small yet impactful changes, you can protect your lungs from the harmful effects of smog while contributing to cleaner air for your community.