Air Pollution in Delhi: Natural Ways to Keep Kids Safe

After Diwali, air pollution in Delhi increases drastically and since Little Miss A is born, we try and go out of town for a few days. This year we went to Thailand and it was a relief to breathe fresh air. As the time came to travel back, friends and family sent us messages to stay away from the gas chamber. With work and personal commitments, this is not a feasible option and we had to come back to the gas chamber that Delhi NCR is. Running away is not a long term solution and all we can do is to ensure we keep her and ourselves healthy and using the best natural ways to fight the high pollution levels.

The Air Quality in Delhi is at its worst and an emergency has been declared by the government. The AQI in Delhi has crossed 700, which is hazardous. As per doctors staying in this level of air pollution in Delhi is equivalent to smoking nearly 50 cigarettes daily. Pollution, annually, is said to kill many people and it affects kids and the elderly more. We have to use natural way to keep kids safe to ensure there is no further damage to the situation.

The Main Causes of Air Pollution in Delhi

As technology is advancing and we are becoming its slaves, there is a side effect as well which is very dangerous for us. During this time of the year, the smog levels are known to increase drastically, and there is not one reason which can be attributed to the air pollution in Delhi. There are various factors which cause pollution. And another main reason is the lack of knowledge and sense of responsibility in the citizens and no accountability from the authorities. Some of the main reasons for this problem are:

• Burning of firecrackers during Diwali
• Burning of crop and stubble in the states of Punjab and Haryana
• Toxic fumes from generators and diesel engines
• The poor burning of garbage by the poor in urban areas for getting warmth in the winters

There are several other reasons which also contribute to the high levels of air pollution in Delhi. The main reason is the sudden drop in temperature and the drop in speed of wind which reduces the dispersal of pollutants from the air and they keep increasing causing the issues.

The Best Time of the Day

High pollution levels are known to be the worst for elders and kids. It’s a sad state of affairs as we need to bring up our kids in this environment. It is not easy for everyone to travel out of the city and thus, we have to do the best we can for our kids. Let us first talk of the best time of the day we can let the kids be out of the house. The thumb rule is that the best time of the day for the kids to be out in the air pollution in Delhi is when the sun is completely out.

Basically early morning and night are a big no for the kids to do anything outdoors. Any form of exercise at these hours should strictly be avoided by people of all age groups. The kids are usually out of the house between 6-8 am as that is the time they go to school and that too in diesel buses. In these times, children must be wearing good quality air masks to stay safe. We also should use natural ways to keep kids safe.

Natural Air Purifiers

Air pollution can cause respiratory problems, skin rashes, headaches besides several other problems. While most households today have air purifiers and they undoubtedly are one of the best ways to keep the pollution levels low in the room, there are some natural air purifiers also which must be used and which can purify the air. Let us talk of some simple natural ways to keep kids safe and purify the air at home.

Beeswax Candles

Beeswax candles are on the best natural air purifiers that can be used at home when the air pollution in Delhi is high. These candles ionize the air and neutralize contaminants and other toxic compounds. These burn slowly and do not need to replaced frequently and, of course, improve air quality at home. They have no smoke and scent and also reduce dust levels. You can buy them by clicking here.

Activated or Bamboo Charcoal

Activated and bamboo charcoal are one of the best natural air purifiers. These have high absorption capacity and are odorless and they remove toxins from the house.

Salt Lamps

These are also a great choice of natural air purifier. Products with salt crystals reduce pathogens, irritants and allergens, thus, purifying the air. These can be left burning at night as they do not hamper the sleep and the best part is they are known to work when they are off as well. Click here to buy them.

Plants

There are many plants which can purify the air at home and thus, should be placed in the house. When there are people with respiratory problems, more and more plants should be placed in the house. Some of the plants which can be placed are:

• Peace lily
• Lady palm
• Areca palm
• Chrysanthemum
• Money plant
• English ivy
• Boston fern
• Spider plant

Home Remedies to Combat Air Pollution in Delhi

The best way to avoid pollution and its hazardous effects is to reduce the time spent outdoors. We have discussed some natural air purifiers that can be used in the house. Let us now discuss some home remedies and natural ways to keep kids safe which can be used to reduce the negative effects of pollution and keep the system clean by removing toxins from lungs and the blood stream.

• Eat gur or jaggery daily in some form to remove the toxins and dust particles. Gur has high nutritional value and is also a natural detox.
• Another food item that must be included daily in the diet is ginger. Ginger can be chewed or added in the tea or be taken in any other form as well. Ginger has properties that inhibit contractions in the airway and also reduce inflammation.
• Olive oil should be used to cook food as it increases immunity.
• Onions and garlic must also be included in the diet daily as they are packed with antioxidants.
• Juice of tulsi leaves or basil must be consumed daily.
• Vitamin C in citrus fruits is very helpful to reduce the negative effects of air pollution and increases immunity and thus, these must be included in the diet.
• Milk with turmeric water is also good for the system and must be consumed.

Conclusion

Pollution is a menace and we have to fight against it. We have to increase awareness and teach our kids from an early stage. It is heart breaking to bring up our kids in this toxic air but we all have to take the necessary actions. Using natural ways to fight air pollution in Delhi is always the best as it has no side effects. Teaching kids from a young age will help them stay healthy and also take the necessary steps to reduce pollution levels.

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