How can you protect yourself from air pollution?

What are the threats posed by air pollution?

Particularly bad in winter, fine particle pollution is a significant cause of discomfort and health problems. Apart from the classic symptoms of irritated eyes and a scratchy throat, it is now widely recognised that exposure to atmospheric pollutants has a considerable effect on how well the body functions.

Over the long-term, air pollution promotes premature aging and raises the risk of certain diseases. A recent Taiwanese study showed for the first time that high levels of air pollution are associated with an elevated risk of oral cancer. Previous studies have demonstrated an increased risk of lung cancer, respiratory allergies and diseases, and cardiovascular problems.

Protecting people from the effects of air pollution constitutes a major public health issue, a fact recognised by the World Health Organization which estimates that atmospheric pollutants may be responsible for 1.3 million deaths globally each year.

How can you protect yourself from air pollution?

Every day, several thousand litres of air circulate in our respiratory tract. Air pollutants deeply infiltrate the body and are responsible for a process known scientifically as ‘oxidative stress’ whereby highly-reactive oxygen species gradually accumulate and cause significant cell damage.

Fortunately, we can benefit nowadays from the protective effects of a number of natural antioxidants. These active principles combat oxidative stress and thus protect against the dangers posed by air pollution. Vitamin C, vitamin E, resveratrol, epigallocatechine gallate (EGCg), curcumin, glutathione … there’s a long list of these natural antioxidants.

For optimal antioxidant protection, specific formulations have been developed in recent years, including AntiOxidant Synergy capsules which offer a selection of the best natural antioxidants. There’s also the supplement ZeroPollution®, formulated to protect the skin against air pollution. It contains extracts of lemon verbena, olive, rosemary and Sophora japonica. All these extracts are standardised in active principles to offer optimal efficacy.

What can you do during peaks in pollution?

While it’s impossible to completely protect the body, there are sensible measures you can take to reduce your exposure to particulates. It’s especially important to avoid taking strenuous exercise during pollution peaks as the ability of fine particle pollution to enter and accumulate in the body tends to increase in such conditions.

Pollution is everywhere, not just outdoors but indoors too, so remember to replace the air in all the spaces in which you spend time: home, office, car interior … During pollution peaks, it’s a good idea to take some precautions. Wait until particulate levels are lower before airing these spaces, making sure you avoid peak traffic times.

How can you help reduce air pollution?

Everyone is affected by air pollution. Reducing particulate emissions requires a collective and sustained effort.

Here are some ways in which you can ‘do your bit’ to reduce air pollution:

• walk, cycle or even use a scooter whenever possible;
• take public transport or share car journeys for longer distances;
• try and drive smoothly on car journeys;
• ensure your vehicle is well-maintained;
• in winter, don’t always have the heating turned on/up in your living spaces;
• reduce the amount of waste you produce for incineration which is a source of air pollution;
• choose recycled products when possible;
• etc.