Delhi’s air quality index dropped to the “very poor” category on Wednesday, raising alarm over rising pollution levels in the capital with the overall air quality index recorded at 363 in the morning. Air quality in many zones of Delhi also slipped into the “severe” category. and “hazardous” because the air quality index in these areas exceeded 400.

It’s impossible to control AQI outdoors, but you can certainly try to improve indoor air quality. The various things you do throughout the day can negatively impact your indoor air quality.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Sanjita Checker, Consultant Occupational Physician at Wockhardt Hospital, shared, “Certain habits like smoking indoors can lead to deterioration in AQI, which can lead to various health problems. This can increase your chance of getting sick, which can affect your daily routine as well as your physical health. Recognizing and understanding these bad habits and trying to avoid them can help improve indoor air quality while creating a healthy, clean environment. This can have a positive impact on your physical and mental health.”

Daily habits that worsen the effects of AQI without your knowledge

1. Smoking: Habits like smoking are not only bad for your health, but they can also reduce your indoor air quality. When someone tries to smoke indoors, the cigarette tends to emit harmful smoke. This can release a variety of chemicals and harmful particles into the air, which can increase your exposure to poor AQI. Consider quitting smoking to stay healthy and maintain air quality.

2. Do not check AQI: Checking your AQI before going out or planning your schedule may seem unnecessary. There are various apps or websites that can easily help you check the AQI levels in the areas where you live or are going to visit. It can help you prepare ahead of time by bringing a mask to protect yourself. In case the AQI is bad, you can try rescheduling or rescheduling that particular case for another day.

3. Do not use air purifiers: Due to the increase in air pollution, the use of air purifiers has become a basic necessity. It is a common misconception that indoor air quality is always better than outdoor air quality. Indoor air can also be polluted, especially if you live near a highway or there is construction going on nearby. That’s why using air purifiers can help improve indoor air quality while reducing your exposure to certain pollutants.

4. Use of personal transport: Who doesn’t love having a car or a bike? But we should not forget that these personal vehicles can negatively contribute to poor air quality and air pollution. Instead of traveling everywhere by private car, you can try using public transport if necessary. This can help reduce air pollution.