Key points on the talk given by me in October 2025 at NMBF

These are important points based on the talk given by Dr Mathew which is available on You tube, link shown below.

Effects of Air Pollution

• Air pollution is a major health concern affecting everyone regardless of location or floor level in buildings.

• Primary pollutants include vehicular emissions, industrial pollutants, construction dust, biomass burning, and organic pollutants.
• Particulate matter PM10 and PM2.5 are tiny particles that penetrate deep into the lungs causing short-term symptoms (coughing, wheezing, asthma exacerbations) and long-term diseases (COPD, lung cancer).
• Vulnerable populations include children, elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
• Air quality fluctuates daily and seasonally, with higher pollution during winter due to atmospheric inversion and increased use of firewood.

Preventive Actions Individuals Can Take

• Use public transport or electric vehicles to reduce vehicular pollution.
• Monitor local air quality using affordable air quality monitors or reliable online sources.
• Use air purifiers indoors with proper sealing of rooms; maintain clean indoor environments by wet mopping or vacuuming.
• Avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke indoors; follow legislation regarding smoking in public places.
• Protect lungs by taking annual flu vaccines [all ages] and pneumonia vaccines if above 50 or with chronic health issues.
• Practice deep breathing and aerobic exercises regularly to increase lung capacity and efficiency.
• Use indoor plants such as aloe vera, snake plant, and rubber plant to reduce indoor air pollutants.
• Close windows during high pollution days and improve ventilation with filtered fresh air intake systems if possible.
• Politely discourage open burning of hazardous materials in neighborhoods and support regulations against it.

Corrective Actions and Collective Responsibility

• Join or support local citizen groups and environmental initiatives focused on improving air quality.
• Advocate for enforcement of pollution control regulations, including proper construction dust management and industrial emission norms.
• Support community actions such as tree planting, cleanups, and awareness campaigns.
• Recognize and seek timely medical care for respiratory symptoms arising from pollution exposure.
• Understand stewardship responsibilities from faith and community perspectives to protect environment for future generations.
• Promote health and environmental advocacy through organizations like Doctors for Clean Air and Lung Care Foundation.

Q&A Highlights and Practical Guidance

• Air purifiers have limitations and require proper maintenance; effectiveness depends on room sealing.
• Burning plastic and cow dung cakes indoors without ventilation is hazardous; use smokeless stoves and avoid burning plastics altogether.
• Air fresheners and incense should be avoided indoors due to chemical pollutants.
• Use mosquito nets instead of coils or mats which release pollutants indoors.
• Opening windows and doors is generally recommended unless air pollution is excessively high.
• Fluctuating pollution levels affect exercise timing; generally safe to exercise outdoors if AQI below 300.
• Vaccines other than COVID vaccines are proven safe and important for respiratory health.
• Indoor plants are safe to keep overnight and reduce volatile organic compounds.
• Damp cloths can be used to reduce smoke inhalation in heavy smoke situations but are not a daily preventive measure.

Next Steps

• Participants encouraged to monitor local air quality and take proactive personal and community actions.
• You can download the presentation materials for further reference.
• Continue engaging with health forums and environmental advocacy groups for sustained awareness and action.