Did you know that you can check your area air quality in real time? That’s just what the Real-time Air Quality Index Visual Map does. If you want to spend a lot of time outdoors on any given day or want to do some hard labour or strenuous exercise outside, you can check the air quality outside first by going online and typing into the search engine to see how the air quality is in your area. With this tool, you will be able to see if there are any dangers lurking in the air such as wood smoke from a forest fire or pollutants that have been released into the air by accident. At the moment, if you look at Australia’s Real-time Air Quality Index Visual Map, you can see that the air quality in major areas are green or gauged as good. However, there are a few major areas in the yellow or moderate section meaning the air quality is okay but for people with sensitivities, the air quality has a few pollutants that might irritate them. When the air quality in any given area becomes red, violet, or even darker red, then it is hazardous to be outdoors being exposed to the pollutants in the air. If people are outdoors at those times when it is hazardous to be out, their health can immediately start to suffer. What can you do if your area is prone to bad air quality and you are not able to move out? Here are some things you can do to lessen the effects of poor outdoor air quality on your health.
1. Stay away from areas where there are a lot of cars running or areas where there is a lot wood burning. If you can’t avoid traffic or are in it every day when commuting, always make sure your car air conditioner is running and your windows are sealed tight. Make sure the air filter in your car is cleaned regularly or more often than is necessary to keep the air quality in your car better than outdoors.
2. Wear a mask that filters air if riding your motorcycle for your commute to work. If there is wood smoke temporarily in your area, it’s best to wear a mask as well when outdoors for that time. Although it might not look nice on your face, at least you’re protecting your lungs.
3. If you suffer from chronic lung conditions, it’s best to not go outdoors at that time and make sure your medications or respirators are with you at all times.
4. Make sure you install a good air conditioner or air cleaner that filters out pollutants from the air coming in from outdoors. Brisbane Air AirConditioning & Electrical can install for you the best air conditioners with filters that give your home great indoor air quality. You can breathe easier (literally) by having clean air circulating in your home. Always remember to have your air conditioner cleaned and maintained regularly as well to continue to have breathable air in your home.
5. If you have to go outside, don’t do any exercise or strenuous work so your lungs aren’t working hard while being bombarded with pollutants. Do your exercises at home or at a gym where they have good air conditioning and air filter systems that keep outdoor air pollution at bay.
Remember to use common sense. When pollutants are about, don’t go out.