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Answers to your questions health prevention Environmental health

Contents validated by the physicians of the Scientific College of the Ramsay Health Foundation

Pollution: How to protect yourself from respiratory illnesses?

Categories FAQ
Environmental health
Pollution

Air pollution has an impact on health, as it can increase the risk of cardio-respiratory disease. There are a number of good practices you can adopt to help protect yourself.

In the event of a pollution episode, the French Ministry of Health and Solidarity recommends shortening outings and avoiding outdoor physical activity during peak periods. It is also advisable to wear an anti-pollution mask or consult a health professional in the event of respiratory or cardiac discomfort. For vulnerable people (pregnant women, babies and young children, the elderly or sick, etc.), outdoor activities should be limited.
To reduce indoor pollution in the home or workplace, we recommend a number of everyday measures: airing regularly and at least 10 minutes a day; not smoking indoors, which will limit the risk of passive smoking; not using oil or gas-fired space heaters continuously in a poorly ventilated room; equipping the home or building with a ventilation system, and checking that it is working properly on a regular basis. The way we clean our homes can also affect air quality. In fact, it's best to use natural products such as black soap, baking soda or white vinegar.

 

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For further information, we recommend that you consult :

- L'Assurance Maladie - Air pollution
- Institut Pasteur de Lille - Air pollution and health

Environmental Health

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