Air Pollution: Effective Protection Strategies and Health Risks Mitigation
On the night of July 4th, Kyiv experienced a severe environmental crisis triggered by a large-scale airstrike conducted by Russia. This aggressive attack resulted in numerous fires across the city, dramatically increasing air pollution levels in the atmosphere. According to the Center for Public Health (CPH), maintaining personal safety and health during such episodes requires understanding how to protect oneself from harmful airborne substances. Below are essential recommendations to help minimize exposure to polluted air. Primarily, it is crucial to close windows and doors tightly, sealing gaps with improvised materials like tape or damp cloths to prevent the ingress of hazardous particles. Ventilation systems that draw outdoor air should be turned off, and where available, air purifiers or air-conditioned systems with filters should be used. When outdoors, individuals are advised to wear respirators or protective masks. If such equipment is unavailable, covering the nose and mouth with a wet cloth can serve as a temporary safeguard. Further measures include wet cleaning of living and working spaces to reduce airborne contaminants, placing large shallow containers filled with water inside to increase humidity levels indoors, and taking multiple showers daily. Equally important is staying well-hydrated; adults should aim to drink at least 2-3 liters of water each day. To replenish lost salts and trace elements, mineral alkaline water is recommended. Special attention should also be paid to guidelines for stay with pets in shelters, as animals are vulnerable to the same environmental hazards. Following these preventive steps effectively reduces health risks and preserves well-being amid hazardous air conditions.