How and what is the right way to protect yourself from smog, told the doctor

MD, pediatrician, nutritionist, co-founder of UniProf Academy of Physicians

How to protect yourself from smog and burning? Does a medical mask help?

A medical mask is a barrier method of protection. We put it on so that our bodily fluids when coughing and sneezing do not get on others. This is the main purpose of the mask. When it comes to the function of filtering the air (for example, when there is smog outside), it is more complicated and depends on several factors.

Why a medical mask does not help protect against smog

The size of the mask, how tightly it fits over the face, and how moisturized it is affect the quality of the air it lets in. For a mask to protect against smog, it must be moistened with water. A normal dry one will not help trap fine particles.

In fact, a soaked mask won’t do much good either – no better than any other piece of cloth. It can also make it difficult to breathe, which increases your heart rate and blood pressure.

If we are talking about a mask with a carbon filter, it is better at trapping fine particles, but it will still not cope with heavy air pollution.

How to properly wear a medical mask, read in the material at the link.

What is dangerous smog

Smog is excessive air pollution with a suspension of harmful substances emitted by industries. Smog can also be called smoke emitted in the process of burning coal or fuel.

Today, in large cities, smog is a mixture of volatile substances: gasoline vapors, nitrogen oxide, nitrate peroxides, and pesticides. The danger is that the chemicals settle on the lungs, causing shortness of breath, coughing. In addition, can provoke insomnia and migraine. If you frequently inhale smog, you are at risk of cancer and inflammatory diseases.

How to protect yourself from smog

Inhibit dust particles and even cinders can construction mask and civilian gas mask. However, such serious “accessories” are not suitable for ordinary life.

If the city has a high level of smog, it is recommended to stay indoors if possible. If you still have to do this, you should stay outdoors as little as possible. To minimize respiratory protection, gauze bandages soaked in water can be used.

At home, you should use air purifiers and humidifiers. And open windows (if with closed in the apartment is too stuffy) should be curtained with a damp gauze cloth and periodically moisten it with a sprayer.

Don’t forget that we breathe not only through our lungs. Protect the skin of the hands, feet, face, try not to open the mucous membranes – wear glasses. By the way, how to choose the right sun protection, we have already told you – read in the article at the link.