Alright, we live in a modern world where smog alerts are an unfortunate daily reality. However, realizing that air pollution increases our risk of cancer there are some precautions we can take to at the very least limit our exposure to “bad air”.
1. Before planning a family picnic or spending a lot of time outside check your local air quality index. When there is a smog advisory, limit your outdoor time and be extra cautious if you or a family member have a respiratory condition.
2. Make your home smoke free. Don’t allow any cigarettes or cigars to be smoked in your home. Second hand smoke increases your chances of developing cancer later on in life. Don’t think it is “just once”, they add up! So do not only ban smoking from your home, but also avoid going to restaurants and bars where smoking is permitted. Smoke free zones are only good if they are very far from smoking zones or separated in some way by a physical barrier. Otherwise your exposure is just diluted.
3. Prevent fumes from home furnaces, fireplaces, hot water heaters and other pollutants from lingering in your home. The best thing you can do is to air out your home for a few minutes at least once a day, except on days when there is a smog alert of course!
4. People also often forget to replace their air filters. When was the last time you replaced yours?
5. Last but not least: do your part to prevent air pollution. Walk or take public transportation whenever you can, or get in shape by biking to your destination. Leaving the car at home sometimes can be a great way of keeping yourself and the environment fit.