Kunfu Chop the Air!

As the city experiences an increase in population and development (as they call it), it suffers from air pollution in large quantities. It is from that reason we have all heard and often termed Kathmandu as “Dustmandu.” 

Yes, measures have been taken and the city seems cleaner than what it was a year ago. There are dusters in place to clean the roads but they only work within the Ringroad. Taking the roads is pretty tricky, be it because of deconstructed roads, exhaust smokes from vehicles or from the reconstruction of houses. Whatever the reason, we need to take precautionary measures to keep ourselves from all the effects it could have in our health. Here are a few pointers we hope you take into consideration. 

Understand where air pollution comes from  
The first step toward coping with air pollution is doing your part in not contributing to the same by stopping small things like burning wood or trash. They are among the major sources of particle pollution in many parts of the country. Another step is keeping our vehicles serviced and using vehicles less often by trying to carpool or travelling via cycle.   

Use face masks
Face masks are pretty much a basic accessory now in Kathmandu. It is as much a necessity now as wearing clothes given the air quality. Your face masks will stop you from breathing in large particles of dust in the air.

Refrain from morning walks
Exercising is essential but not when it in turn is negatively affecting our health. People who walk, run/jog or engage in any outdoor activity should refrain from doing so until the smog settles. You can either take these exercises indoors or shift these activities to evening hours.

Install air purification systems
Air purifiers helps keep your indoor safer from the increasing air pollution outdoors. Hospitals, businesses, schools, and homeowners all need to have them. However, one machine is needed in each room of a flat or house for the best effect. 

Plant more plants
NASA discovered that many household plants, like the Gerbera Daisy, Peace Lily, and English Ivy are instrumental in removing carbon monoxide from the air. These plants operate like liver, filtering harmful chemicals and dangerous compounds from the air. These are natural air filters that can greatly reduce the amount of indoor air pollution, and are all available in the market. 

Take steam daily
Steam opens up your air passages on every situation not just during cold. Try to do it everyday with few drops of eucalyptus oil in the evening to relax your air-passages and help your body remove the harmful particulate substances.

Use sakhar to detoxify
Sakhar has been use in our homes for centuries and it actually flush out pollutants from your lungs. You can simply have it raw or use it with sugar in your daily preparations.

Drink herbal tea
Herbal ginger and tulsi tea are in fashion. You can see every other guy drinking them for fun but having them once or twice a day is extremely healthy to minimize the effects of pollution.