Staying healthy when Air Quality is poor

With forest fires from Quebec & Ontario, Canada blanketing the eastern seaboard and Midwest in thick toxic smoke, headaches, and malaise, we’re living in yet another unprecedented time. You know I’m not the one to panic. So, let’s plan. Here’s how to live healthily when air quality is poor.

Outdoor Hygiene:

Ideally, stay inside as much as possible. But wear a mask if you need to leave. The same masks we used for Covid will protect our lungs here too. Use a car to keep away from bad air. It might be time to change your cabin air filters anyway. Wash your clothes when you get home as the smoke sticks to the fabrics.

Stay Informed and Monitor Air Quality:

Knowledge is power when it comes to dealing with poor air quality. Stay updated on the current air quality in your area by checking local air quality indexes or using mobile apps that provide real-time information. Monitoring the air quality will help you plan your activities and take appropriate precautions. I use the Weather Underground app but almost any will do. Also consider connecting with local authorities via social media.

Create a Clean Indoor Environment:

When outdoor air quality is compromised, it's crucial to maintain a clean and healthy indoor environment. Start by keeping windows and doors closed to prevent outdoor pollutants from entering your home. Additionally, regularly dust and vacuum your living space to minimize the accumulation of dust, pollen, and other particles. Consider investing in an air purifier equipped with HEPA filters to further improve the air quality indoors. Once air quality improves, wipe surfaces clean.

Reduce Indoor Pollution Sources:

Identify and minimize potential sources of indoor pollution to improve the overall air quality inside your home. Common sources include smoking, using chemical cleaning products, and cooking without proper ventilation. Opt for natural, eco-friendly cleaning products and ensure proper ventilation when cooking to reduce the accumulation of pollutants.

Harness the Power of Beeswax Candles:

When lit, beeswax candles release negative ions into the air. These negative ions bind with positively charged particles like dust, pollen, smoke, and pet dander, causing them to fall to the ground rather than staying airborne. This process effectively helps remove these pollutants from the air, improving the overall air quality in your living space. When purchasing beeswax candles for air purification, ensure that they are made from 100% pure beeswax, free from additives or synthetic fragrances. To maximize the air purification benefits, strategically place beeswax candles in areas prone to airborne pollutants, such as near windows or doorways. Lighting a few candles for a few hours in the evening can significantly contribute to cleaner indoor air.

Try herbal teas, steamers, soaks, or remedies to support lung health:

*This is a summary of a longer blog post, read here* Herbs that are known to support lung health include peppermint (mentha piperita), mullein (verbascum thapsus), eucalyptus (eucalyptus globulus), licorice root (glycyrrhiza glabra), thyme (thymus vulgaris), ginger (zingiber officinale), oregano (origanum vulgare), sage (salvia officinalis).

Dealing with poor air quality requires a proactive approach to protect our health and well-being. By staying informed, creating a clean indoor environment, reducing indoor pollution sources, using beeswax candles, and improving ventilation, you can significantly improve the air quality around you. Remember, even small steps can make a big difference when it comes to safeguarding yourself and your loved ones from the harmful effects of poor air quality.