Air is shared by everyone on the earth’s surface. Living things breathe it and depend upon life for it. When pollution is added to it we can’t stop breathing or run away from it.

However, air pollutants that are inhaled have serious impact on human health affecting the lungs and the respiratory system.

• Tobacco smoke generated has the ability to cause lung cancer not only to the smokers but also to the passive smokers. The effects may range from burning sensation in the eyes or nose and throat irritation, to cancer, bronchitis, severe asthma, and a decrease in lung function.

• The allergens present in the air can cause asthma, hay fever and other allergic conditions.

• The air pollution can cause headaches, nausea and loss of coordination, damage to the nervous system, digestive problems.

• It can also lower our resistance to cold and pneumonia.

• Air pollution is especially hazardous to children.

The following steps will generally prevent the above symptoms in a healthy adult or children:

• Use of heat recovery ventilator or energy recovery ventilator can provide freshly filtered air indoor while removing the stale polluted air.

• Seal leaks in the building shell to block entry of unfiltered outdoor air during the heating and air conditioning seasons. Sealing leaks also blocks entry of dust and insects.

• Use space and water heating systems that cannot put combustion gases into the building interior.

• Stay indoors as much as possible when the air pollution level outside is high. Indoor have lower pollutants levels than outdoors.

• As far as possible, limit outside activity to early hours in the morning or wait till sunset. This is due to the fact that sunshine increases the ozone levels.

• Avoid exercise or exerting oneself outdoors when air-quality reports indicate unhealthy conditions. (The faster you breathe the more pollution you take into your lungs.)

• Wear the pollution prevention mask on nose when working on site involving lots of dust and pollution.