By Kingsley Adindu
A recent BBC report states that there is a 4% increase in respiratory illnesses in Rivers State, and in 5yrs times there will be an increase in respiratory tract infections and cancer.
Here are the tips on how to survive the soot.
1. Clean your room/house regularly.
The soot usually settles on surfaces inside and outside the house. Mop floors and clean surfaces with damp clothes more often, daily if possible. This is very important if you’ve got kids around.
- Reduce ambient air in the house by keeping the windows shut or curtains down.
This is best if you have an air conditioning system due to the heat. But it helps reduce the entrance of dirty air into your house.
- Clean your AC air filter weekly, and you’ll be surprised. Whether at home or office, please do this for your health sake. The soot is trapped there, so clean up. Also, clean your window net.
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Reduce outdoor activities if possible.
Outdoor activities such as morning jogging are now dangerous! I repeat, dangerous! The high humidity during early hours makes the air heavy with soot and its risky for you while engaging in any cardiovascular exercise.
5. Change your beddings more often if you leave your windows open. The same applies to your curtains. Also, flip the clothes you dry outside before taking them inside.
6. Drink lots of water and take lots of vitamin C enriched foods/fruits. You might want to invest in vitamin C supplements too.
- Do not try to abuse antibiotics in this period due to constant flu and cough. Please go and see a doctor.
8 Ensure you raise your voice and demand action from the government, keep doing so until they find a lasting solution.
