The impact of air pollution is something that cannot be taken lightly or ignored. This is because such a decrease in air quality is classified as environmental damage that must be dealt with immediately, as it can cause various problems, one of which is human health.
Therefore, it is recommended that you always maintain your physical health by adopting a clean and healthy lifestyle to avoid the effects of air pollution.
This is particularly important to note given that air pollution in Indonesia, especially in the capital city of Jakarta, continues to rise each year. In fact, according to the IQAir World Air Quality Report of 2021, Jakarta is ranked first as the most polluted city in the world.
However, what exactly are the effects of air pollution, and how can they be prevented? Let’s dive into the following discussion, starting from the causes, effects, and ways to address air pollution that you can implement.
Causes of Air Pollution
Fundamentally, air pollution can be caused by two things: human activity and natural activity. Air pollution caused by natural activity includes volcanic eruptions, which produce volcanic ash that is harmful to human health and plants.
Meanwhile, human activities that are causes of air pollution include motor vehicles and combustion fumes. However, there is no need to worry, as we can minimize its impact through the tips discussed in this article.
General Impact of Air Pollution
After learning about the various causes above, what is the impact of air pollution? Here are some of them.
1. Increased Risk of Respiratory Disorders
The first impact of air pollution is that it triggers respiratory disorders. The decrease in air quality is caused by chemical and biological compounds from combustion smoke, vehicles, and others.
When inhaled, polluted air can interfere with lung health, eventually causing respiratory problems such as asthma, acute respiratory infections (ARI), and increasing the risk of other lung disorders.
2. Limitations on Activities
When you are active or outside your home, you want to breathe fresh and clean air, right? Well, one of the effects of air pollution is limitations on daily activities due to poor air quality.
Considering that such conditions are detrimental to the respiratory system, you may find yourself less free to engage in various outdoor activities, such as going for a workout.
When the air quality is poor, it is recommended to exercise at home to avoid exposure to pollution. Do not worry, even at home, you can still perform various types of exercises, such as planks, push-ups, Pilates, yoga, wall sits, and many more.
3. Increased Risk of Skin Issues
On the other hand, air pollution can also increase the risk of skin issues, such as acne, allergies, and irritation. Exposure to air pollution can also make your skin dry and dull. To prevent this, you are advised to maintain good hygiene and health for your face and body.
For example, you can start implementing a healthy and nutritious diet, as well as drinking an adequate amount of water regularly.
4. Causing Red Eyes
Another impact of air pollution is on the eyes. This is because air pollution can enter your eyes, causing irritation and redness, which can ultimately interfere with your vision.
Therefore, it is recommended that you always carry sunglasses and wear them when outdoors. Do not forget to wash your face upon returning home. This is to prevent dust from entering and irritating your eyes.
Ways to Deal with Air Pollution
Based on the various impacts of air pollution mentioned above, you need to take some precautions to avoid the risks it poses. Here are some ways to deal with air pollution that you can apply.
- Ensure that your home or office has good ventilation.
- Always keep your home clean, and maintain regular and routine ventilation of rooms to prevent dust buildup or mold growth.
- Use household appliances and items wisely. Try to reduce the use of pollutants and irritants such as chemical cleaners, aerosols, and other air pollutants.
- Limit activities in areas with poor air quality.
- Wear a mask if necessary when outdoors.
- Use environmentally friendly energy sources, such as public transportation, cycling, or walking.
Tips for Dealing with Air Pollution
In addition to implementing the above preventive measures, you should also adopt a healthy lifestyle to prevent the effects of free radicals caused by pollution. It is recommended that you start living a healthy and clean lifestyle by exercising regularly and consuming nutritious foods.
Foods rich in vitamin C are highly effective in boosting the immune system and neutralizing free radicals. Do not forget to ensure your body’s fluid needs are met by drinking at least 2 liters of water daily.
This is important to avoid dehydration, which can lead to health issues. Dehydration also affects organ function, making you more susceptible to illness.
To start the habit of drinking enough water, you can choose high-quality mineral water such as #AQUADULU to accompany your daily activities at home or when traveling. AQUA offers a variety of packaging options that are very convenient to carry anywhere, so you can stay hydrated at all times.
On the other hand, AQUA's mineral water packaging is environmentally friendly and safe, as it has undergone various high-quality sterilization processes. For 49 years, AQUA has conducted 400 quality control tests to maintain its quality and purity.
Here are the various impacts of air pollution on health and the environment, along with their causes and solutions. If you live in an area with low air quality, wear a mask or face covering to help filter out smoke and gases.
If you are frequently exposed to air pollution and experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, runny nose, headaches, or coughing up blood, consult a doctor to receive appropriate treatment promptly.
