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When Cui Yongjie is told that she will need a mask to meet the upcoming trip to South Korea, Ms Cui YongjieChoi, a 31-year-
The old New Yorker was shocked.
"I know air pollution is a major problem in Beijing, but I don't know how bad it is here," she said in Seoul last month . ".
When it comes to unhealthy air quality, China suffers most of the heat, but air pollution is a major problem in Asia and beyond, and even in Europe and North America.
No research and self
Be careful even if it is short
Visitors may feel the impact.
Here are some precautions you can take to help you breathe more easily.
You can find an air quality index for a given city, orQ. I. , on air-
Monitor websites like aqicn. org.
The index says how polluted or dirty the air is (
Usually measure particles in the air)
It also explains the impact this level may have on health. While A. Q. I.
This level is often mentioned in the United States during the allergic season or when sandstorms or wildfires occur, and this index is common in Asia. The U. S.
The Department of Agriculture has a complete explanation on its website of the reasons for "good" or "bad" air quality.
When it comes to travel, research aviation --
High-quality websites can help you understand where you want to go and when you want to go.
There is serious pollution in the seriously polluted cities. Q. I.
But some destinations have only a few months of air pollution a day and are not healthy.
For example, East Asian countries are affected by Asian dust (
Yellow dust particles carried by the Gobi Desert Wind)
In the spring, many savvy travelers choose to visit in the fall. A proper air-
Filter mask can be your best friend when the air quality is low.
Although disposable masks can be found in pharmacies in most cities, the types of masks recommended by medical professionals are rarely found in pharmacies or department stores.
Before traveling, you 'd better order high quality online instead of scrambling to find them in a new city.
Not sure which one to buy?
According to her research on the effectiveness of masks in Beijing,
Miranda Loh of the Edinburgh Institute of Occupational Medicine recommends looking for masks of at least grade N95 (
This means that the mask removes 95% of all particles of at least 0 in the air.
3 micron diameter or larger)or FFP3 (
This means that the mask can only leak up to 5% or air and must filter 99% of all particles up to 0. 6 microns)
Both criteria indicate a high ability to filter fine dust.
In the mask she studied
Loh said she found the 3 m Aura disposable respirator 9322 mask to be most effective in continuously reducing exposure to research volunteers.
In addition to purchasing a suitable mask, she also recommends restricting the use and wearing of the mask in strict accordance with the requirements of the mask packaging.
The time you should wear a mask depends on your age and health, and there is no strict guideline agreed by everyone anywhere.
In China, for example, the government recommends wearing masks. Q. I.
More than 200, but many people choose to wear one at A time. Q. I.
Close to 100 or 150.
You 'd better have A look. Q. I.
One day, check the air quality grade table and judge it yourself.
People with respiratory diseases, allergies or asthma should be particularly careful.
After a day of sightseeing, protecting your skin and lungs from air pollution and the damage of particles that may precipitate on your clothes, skin or hair is simple: take a bath as soon as possible, apply sunscreen and moisturizer, repeat each time outdoors for a long time. Dr.
Steven Wang, director of dermatology at Basking Ridge Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, studied the effects of environmental air pollution on the skin.
His advice includes applying sunscreen in the morning;
Use a gentle liquid cleaner;
In general, be sure to take care of your skin when traveling.
Avoid frequent outdoor activities-
Pollution days are the most common advice for medical experts, including experts from the American Lung Association, in avoiding the effects of air pollution.
Plan museum tours, souvenir shopping tours and other activities
Indoor activities for a few days when the air quality is really poor.
Or, just put some of these activities in your pocket in case everything looks good one day, but the air quality will open the next day.
Fortunately, for those who want to be relieved from air pollution, more and more accommodation and activities now make clean air the main feature.
Not only have several chain hotels added air purifiers to their amenities, but smoke-
Free movie theaters, oxygen bars and clean air cafes have become fashionable in cities such as Seoul, Bangkok and Beijing.
If you have already been to the museum, it may be time to make a movie.
HNA is from Seoul-
Journalists covering tourism, food and culture.
She has published articles on Lonely Planet, Seoul timed out and Monocle.
Follow her on Twitter @ hahnay.
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