Air pollution in Delhi can be chronic but becomes worse during the winter months when the air quality index (AQI) hits dangerous levels. Here are 10 practical techniques that work to shield yourself against this pollution and yet can allow you to continue living your active life outside your home.

1. Invest in an N95 or N99 mask.

This awareness makes masks important for outdoor protection. Some common masks, such as N95 and N99, can effectively reduce the proportion of inhaled particles and the percentage of potentially hazardous particles. To get the best protection, especially when commuting or in dense areas, see that the helmet fits perfectly.

2. Indoor Stay During High Pollution Period

Delhi experiences the worst air quality in the morning and in the evening or at night. In case it is possible, avoid going out for any activities that take place outside the house. Use apps like AirVisual or SAFAR and check the AQI to see when it is safe to step out of the house.

3. Use air purifiers indoors.

Since pollutants penetrate indoors quickly, investing in a good air purifier, particularly in the bedroom and the living room, can make a big difference in the air we breathe. Check for HEPA filters and activated carbon layers that will help capture particulate matter as well as toxic gases in your home.

4. Build a Green Barrier at Home

Some flowers, such as spider plants, aloe vera, and areca palms, enable the improvement of internal air quality. They remove many toxins from the air naturally and produce oxygen while leaving the indoors fresh. But remember, they do assist; however, they’re not a replacement for an air purifier.

5. Strengthen Your Immune System

Pollution affects health in general, so maintaining a good immune system is very important. Increase your consumption of foods with antioxidants like spinach, oranges, almonds, and other nuts. Drinking water with added turmeric or ginger would also be beneficial in fighting off inflammation resulting from the pollutants.

6. Fix exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms.

This exposure is worsened by indoor pollution sources such as using a stove to cook or living in a damp area. Note that it is important not to be in a non-ventilated, closed space. Ventilate pollutants by opening the exhaust fans or windows for some time when conditions allow relative air quality in the room.

7. Limit outdoor exercise

Cardio exercises, for instance, make you pant, and as a result, you inhale more pollutants into the lungs. Walk or ride a bike indoors on the days when the AQI is high due to pollution, etc. If you are involved in an outdoor run or walk, ensure you do them in the early morning or at night, especially during low AQI's.

8. Setting Up Use of Essential Oils for Diffusers

Some of the oils, such as eucalyptus and lavender, are excellent ones that assist in opening the respiratory tracts and have natural antimicrobial properties as well. If applied in a diffuser, they can improve the quality of indoor air and possibly mitigate certain pollutants, although they do not act as a purifier.

9. Ventilation be low on high AQI days where possible; windows and doors be closed.

While it would seem quite useful to introduce fresh air into the home, it is advised against during high AQI days. Close doors and windows and use curtains to block areas where fine dust may enter.

10. They also should pay special attention to household cleaning supplies.

Most cleaning materials emit VOCs, which qualify them as indoor pollution actors. Choose environmentally permissible cleaning agents that possess low or zero VOC to enhance indoor air quality. Such as baking soda and vinegar, both are equally important for various cleaning purposes.

It is always important to know that some adjustments in the environment and our way of living can protect from the worst contaminants in the air.