The first and easiest way to avoid pollution is to wear a mask, but just a cloth mask or a simple mask cannot protect you completely. N95 or surgical masks are most effective in this poisonous air, because they prevent small harmful particles present in the air. Whenever you go out, do not forget to wear an N95 mask.

The dirtier the outside air is, the sooner it can come inside your house or car. Therefore, try to keep the windows closed, especially in the morning and evening when the pollution level is high. If you want fresh air, open the windows for a while in the afternoon when the AQI is a little better.

Many people use air freshener to avoid the bad smell or stuffy environment of the house, but this is a big mistake. Air fresheners contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which further pollute the air. Instead, use an air purifier with HEPA filter. It clears dust, smoke and toxic particles from the air, making you breathe easier.

The best way to reduce the effects of pollution on the body is to strengthen immunity. Include things in your diet that are rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, like turmeric, ginger, garlic, green tea, amla, berries, spinach and carrots. These things strengthen the body from inside and help in detoxifying the lungs.

When there are more toxic particles in the air, toxins start accumulating in the body. To get rid of these, it is very important to stay hydrated. Drink as much water as possible throughout the day, coconut water, lemon water, green tea or basil-ginger herbal tea. With this, dirty elements are removed from the body and the lungs remain clean.

If there is no urgent work, avoid going out in the morning and late evening, because the level of pollution is highest during these times. Try to go out in the afternoon, when the air is a little cleaner. If you have to take children or the elderly somewhere, then follow the same rules for them.

In polluted weather, visibility reduces due to fog and mist. In such a situation, keep fog lights on while driving, drive slowly and do not hurry in any way. If you are stuck in traffic, keep the car’s AC on recirculation mode so that dirty outside air does not come inside.

These days many people are troubled by problems like burning sensation, itching, redness, watering or dryness in the eyes. People who are already suffering from allergies or eye infections, their problems increase further. But if some easy precautions are adopted, you can keep your eyes safe even amidst this poisonous air.

Whenever you go out, protect your eyes from dust and smoke. For this, use sunglasses or big size goggles. If you ride a bike or scooter, then install a transparent glass shield in the helmet so that the wind does not go directly into the eyes. This prevents allergies and irritation.

Polluted air reduces the moisture in the eyes, causing dryness and irritation. To avoid this, apply lubricating eye drops 2–3 times a day. These provide moisture to the eyes and give them relief.

If you feel irritation or swelling in the eyes, wash them with cold water twice a day or apply light compress with an ice pack. This reduces swelling and provides coolness to the eyes. Keep in mind that do not apply ice directly on the eyes, use it wrapped in a cloth.

When pollution is high, itching or stinging sensation is felt in the eyes. In such a situation, many people rub the eyes, which can cause damage to the cornea. If there is itching, wash the eyes with cold water or pat them gently. This will provide relief and the risk of infection will also reduce.

If you live in areas like Delhi or NCR, then installing an air purifier at home is very beneficial. It filters the dust and chemicals present in the air. Also, if you want, you can plant wet curtains or plants in the house, which clean the air to some extent.

To reduce the effects of pollution, it is important to have vitamins and nutrients in your diet. Vitamin A, C and omega-3 fatty acids strengthen the eye cells. Be sure to include carrots, spinach, tomatoes, orange, amla, fish, flax seeds, walnuts, chia seeds and dry fruits in your diet.