Air Quality Importance Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic

There is a general consensus that the importance of environmental quality goes beyond what most agencies or organizations put emphasis on. There has been much talk about the current global WEO (rowth, Energy, Environmental) strategy where the focus is primarily on the areas of growth. However, there has been some debate as to how much the effort will affect the quality of the air we breathe or our living conditions. It is estimated that in the past decade alone, the efforts made by various organizations in the field of environment and quality have resulted in a lot of progress. Most governments have also made statements regarding the need for greater investment in the betterment of the air quality of cities worldwide. These sentiments are well founded as more cities around the globe are being subjected to unprecedented levels of degradation in their air quality.

Many cities around the world have either already achieved a very high degree of improvement in the air quality of their locations or they are on the verge of doing so. When talking about the recent examples of such improvements, China and India can be singled out as having achieved notable results. In China, for example, there has been a significant reduction in the rate of industrial emission as well as in the release of toxic chemicals into the atmosphere. The reasons for this achievement can be attributed to the fact that most industries there are operating within the confines of environmentally friendly guidelines.

On the other hand, cities in India such as in the Eastern Indian states of Orissa and Tamil Nadu have not only seen large improvements in the quality of the air that they breathe but also reduced the risks of respiratory infections. The reason behind this can be attributed to the implementation of very strict regulations by these government bodies as well as by private corporations. The rules and regulations often include restrictions on the discharge of industrial waste into the environment as well as on the transport of hazardous waste. There have also been efforts to introduce new technologies in the form of wind power which are capable of effectively converting energy resources into electricity and of heating water which is then used for domestic purposes. The use of geothermal energy has also helped to significantly reduce the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. All of these initiatives are aimed at ensuring that each individual and family living in these cities are able to enjoy clean and healthy air as well as the requisite levels of fresh air.

The standards set by these cities are still significantly low when compared to those set by the EPA. However, the level of improvement achieved by these cities over the past few years has been significant enough to persuade many to start assuming greater responsibility for their respiratory health. It is no secret that a lack of clean air is a leading cause of severe respiratory infections and diseases such as cough and asthma. With the increasing pollution levels in cities, the probability of catching respiratory infections is more likely. To combat this problem, it is important that people living in such cities make sure that they take responsibility for ensuring that the air quality of their homes is good enough.

One of the best ways of ensuring that you are inhaling pure air is to keep your house ventilated properly. Make sure that your heating and cooling systems are functioning properly. If you do not have proper ventilation in your house, chances are high that toxic fumes from automobile exhausts will accumulate in your home. In fact, researchers estimate that there may be as much as five to twenty times more toxic gases inside houses than there are on the surface of the earth. It is very possible for toxic gases to affect your respiratory health adversely. Hence, keeping your house ventilated is one of the best ways of combating respiratory problems.

When looking for an ideal place to stay during the summer months, look out for a warm and humid climate devoid of dust, mosquitoes and other insects that can carry harmful viruses and airborne particles. Although this is the most ideal situation, it is probably the worst one you can find when it comes to fighting respiratory problems. So, whether you are planning to go out on vacation or just need to stay indoors due to poor air quality, make sure you equip yourself with an air purifier or two so that you can always breathe in healthy and clean air.