Table of contents:
- Why is air pollution dust so dangerous?
- Avoid the dangers of air pollution
- 1. Use AQI to check outdoor air quality
- 2. Clean the floor from dust and dirt where you live regularly
- 3. Keep the air humidity in the house
- 4. When leaving the house, wear a mask
Air pollution can be found through the dust you breathe on a daily basis. This inhaled air pollution is of particular concern because it is associated with lung diseases, for example pneumoconiosis. There are many more dangers of air pollution to watch out for, especially those of you who live in certain areas.
You can get other diseases that air pollution spreads through dust. Among others, such as cancer, asthma, allergies and irritants, and various diseases that may occur at a much lower level of pollution exposure.
Why is air pollution dust so dangerous?
Dust is a type of pollutant (a substance that causes pollution, in this case air pollution) with a size of less than 100 micrometers. Dust can be inhaled into the airways, so it is not surprising that dust is closely related to lung disease.
In the short term, air pollution can worsen the symptoms that people with a history of asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), and a history of heart disease (ischemic heart, arrhythmia, and heart failure). Some lung diseases caused by inhalation of dust in the long term are asbetosis (due to inhalation of asbestos dust), silicosis (due to inhalation of silica dust), and high levels can also cause poisoning, for example lead poisoning.
The long-term effects of air pollution on the heart are the same as smoking. Both accelerate the formation of plaque that can clog coronary arteries.
Not all dust is dangerous. Usually hazardous dust is found in industrial workplaces. Here are the types of harmful dust that can cause disease.
- Mineral dust, for example those containing silica.
- Metallic dust, can contain lead and cadmium.
- Other chemical dust, such as pesticides.
- Vegetable dust, such as wood, flour, cotton, tea, and pollen.
- Yeast and spores (fungi).
It's not just workers who are at high risk. If you live and work around a building, factory, or a waste disposal site, you are at high risk for disease due to air pollution. In particular, wood dust can be found in areas that still use firewood for cooking and other daily needs.
Avoid the dangers of air pollution
As explained above, inhaled dust from air pollutants will cause respiratory problems and danger to the surrounding environment. Moreover, if you have previously had respiratory diseases. It is recommended to upgrade and always carry inhaler wherever you go, especially to places where the air pollution is high.
Even people who do not have serious health problems may experience symptoms such as dry throat, sore eyes, and cough when in an environment with high air pollution. Below are some ways you can do to prevent and reduce the dangers of air pollution.
1. Use AQI to check outdoor air quality
If you want to go out of the house, check AQI (air quality index) issued by an official or government agency. For those of you who live in big cities, please visit this link to see AQI or air quality where you live.
If air pollution is at a high level and you need to go outside, limit your activities to early morning or wait until the sun sets. You should also avoid strenuous physical activity in dusty environments because the faster you breathe, the more polluted the air you breathe.
2. Clean the floor from dust and dirt where you live regularly
Chemicals and allergens from air pollution can collect and accumulate as dust in the environment and in your home. The way to minimize the spread of air pollution is to use a vacuum containing a HEPA filter. Vacuum or this type of cleaner can reduce dust and dirt made from chemicals brominated (PBDEs), as well as allergens such as pollen, pet dander, and dust mites.
3. Keep the air humidity in the house
Apart from using a HEPA filter, you are advised to maintain the humidity level in the room of your home or office. You can use humidifier to humidify the room air. Try to keep the air humidity around 30% -50%, humidity with this level can help control allergens and triggers for other respiratory diseases.
4. When leaving the house, wear a mask
Always wear a mask to block inhaled air pollution dust that can enter the respiratory tract. However, some masks that are sold in the market are not the right masks to prevent and block air pollution.
Wear the best protection against pollution, as masks made of multiple layers have been shown to be better at filtering the air you breathe. For example, the mask type n95. Simple actions like wearing a mask can protect you from the dangers of air pollution that lurk every day.
