Kyiv battles smog after Russian attack: What you need to know about air pollution
Kyiv covered by heavy smog after night-time shelling (photo: Getty Images)
Kyiv is once again experiencing air pollution due to Russian attacks. People are complaining about the smell of burning products, and the polluted air and smog can be seen with the naked eye. What are the dangers of inhaling such air, and how to protect yourself?
What is harmful about smoky air?
A dangerous consequence of Russian shelling and large-scale fires is the release of carbon monoxide and solid particles into the air, which can cause health problems.
Inhaling air polluted by combustion products is harmful for people with:
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Respiratory diseases, such as asthma, bronchitis, etc.
- Skin conditions
- A tendency for allergic reactions
In such individuals, chronic diseases may worsen.
However, even healthy people should avoid inhaling polluted air because combustion products are toxic and can cause poisoning, as well as irritate the eyes, nose, and throat.
What to do during smoke?
If local authorities report poor air quality, it is important to follow these recommendations:
- Stay at home if possible
- Do not open windows
- If you need to open a window, cover it with a damp cloth
- Drink plenty of water
- Use a humidifier
- Regularly clean with a wet cloth
- Place containers with water inside to increase humidity
- When going outside, wear a respirator mask
- Avoid going outside in the morning when the smoke concentration is highest
- After going outside, take a shower
- Children, pregnant women, and the elderly should avoid going out.
At the same time, Andrii Kosinov, an expert at the Kyiv City Center for Disease Control and Prevention of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, advises against using air conditioners, as they lack filters that can handle smoke, and running the air conditioner will circulate polluted air inside the home.
Important: In case of general malaise, shortness of breath, coughing, or dizziness, seek medical help as soon as possible.
Additionally, for effective protection from polluted air, it is crucial to use proven methods: wear FFP2/N95 respirators or higher (if necessary), use high-quality air purifiers at home, and monitor air quality indexes.
Sources: Kyiv City Center for Disease Control and Prevention of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, WHO.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
