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With a few thoughtful steps, from blocking outdoor pollutants to investing in effective purification, you can create a safer, healthier indoor environment for your family.
Prepare early to protect against annual smog surge.
Each year, as the festive lights go up, a thick grey haze begins to settle over many Indian cities. The air turns heavy, the mornings smell faintly of smoke, and conversations shift to Air Quality Index (AQI) levels. While many wait for the AQI to improve before acting, experts warn that by then, the damage may already be done. Preparing early, for both your body and your home, is the only real protection against the annual smog surge.
The Invisible Threat
“People often underestimate the impact of air pollution on their health as they wait for the AQI to improve. By the time precautions are taken, the harmful effects may have already begun,” cautions Dr. Bandana Mishra, Consultant – Pulmonology & Respiratory Medicine, Manipal Hospital, Gurugram.
She explains that fine particulate matter, PM2.5 and PM10, can penetrate deep into the lungs, leading to asthma, eye irritation, and even heart complications. “This risk rises sharply during festive seasons like Diwali, when pollution spikes due to fireworks and increased outdoor activity. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable,” she adds.
Dr. Mishra recommends building a ‘pollution shield’ through consistent habits: wearing high-quality masks outdoors, keeping windows closed during peak hours, installing air purifiers indoors, and maintaining good hydration with antioxidant-rich foods. “Preparation isn’t just precaution; it’s a necessity,” she emphasises.
Home Is Where The Real Danger Lies
While outdoor air quality gets most of the attention, experts say the air inside your home can often be worse. “Indoor air can be up to ten times more polluted than outdoor air. Pollutants don’t just come from outside; they’re trapped and recirculated indoors through dust, cleaning products, and even your carpets,” notes Stuart Thompson, Dyson Engineer.
Thompson recommends a few small but impactful changes to create a cleaner indoor environment. “Start by stopping pollutants at the door. Use microfiber mats or make your home a shoe-free zone,” he suggests. Investing in a reliable air purifier can also make a significant difference. “Advanced purifiers, such as those with HEPA filters, capture 99.95% of airborne allergens and pollutants, ensuring cleaner air across the room,” he says.
He also stresses the importance of maintenance: “A purifier is only as good as its filter. Changing filters regularly ensures the system continues to work efficiently.” Thompson advises removing old carpets, switching to low-VOC cleaning products, and decluttering frequently to prevent dust buildup.
Breathing Easy Through The Season
Pollution preparation isn’t about panic. It’s about proactive care. By combining medical awareness with simple home interventions, you can protect your lungs, heart, and immunity during the smog-heavy months. Start by checking daily AQI updates, eating antioxidant-rich foods, using purifiers, and minimising outdoor exposure when levels peak.
Clean air may be out of your control outdoors, but inside your home, it’s entirely in your hands. This season, prevention is your strongest protection. Don’t wait for the AQI to drop before you start breathing better.
Delhi, India, India
October 19, 2025, 15:40 IST
