For the second day running, São Paulo has recorded the most polluted air in the world. With air quality so unhealthy, it’s essential to take some measures to stay healthy and safe. Check them out:
Air quality in SP: what to do to prevent it?
São Paulo City Hall recommends that residents protect themselves with a few precautions. Check out the best practices for dry weather:
- Hydration: drinking plenty of water throughout the day minimizes the effects of low humidity and pollution on our bodies;
- Humidity indoors: use vaporizers, wet towels or containers of water in the rooms to help humidify the air;
- Avoid physical exercise: exercising is good for you, but in weather as extreme as this, it’s best to put it off until another day. But if you insist, try to do it before 11am or after 5pm;
- Sun protection: Need to go outdoors? Don’t forget to apply sunscreen and wear suitable clothing. If possible, avoid exposure to the sun, especially at peak times.
In addition, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health recommend the use of N95 or PFF2 masks. They filter out 94% of fine particles and prevent the inhalation of pollutants. So it’s worth rescuing that mask left over from the pandemic or getting yours from a pharmacy.
A health warning
If you experience severe, persistent symptoms or difficulty breathing, it is worth consulting a doctor.
- Itching or irritation in the nose, eyes or throat;
- Headache, throat or chest pain;
- Sneezing or coughing;
- Nasal congestion;
- Shortness of breath;
- Fatigue;
- Choriza;
- Fever.
What to do if you witness a fire?
We know that the major aggravating factor in this unhealthy air quality is the burns that are taking place all over the country. If, unfortunately, you witness one, check out the measures that should be taken:
- Alert the authorities: immediately call the Fire Brigade on 193 or the Civil Defense on 199 and report the location of the fire;
- Do not approach and keep a safe distance from the fire. Remember: inhaling smoke is also harmful to your health;
- If possible, inform the neighborhood about the risky situation.
According to the weather forecast, next Sunday, the 15th, it should rain across the capital. With that, we hope that the dry weather will improve here.
