Instructions for Actions When Air Quality Deteriorates

Here’s how you can reduce your exposure if the air quality is poor. Children, older people, pregnant people and people with chronic cardiovascular or respiratory diseases are particularly sensitive and vulnerable to the health risks of air pollution. Even healthy individuals can experience symptoms.

Street Dust

• Avoid areas with heavy traffic on dusty days if you can. A respirator can also help, but it is not suitable for everyone.
• Spend time further away from busy places – even one block away from a busy street, the air is cleaner.
• Avoid intense physical exertion in dusty areas.
• Consider moving indoors if you experience irritation symptoms.
• Keep windows closed during dusty periods. Ensure window and door seals are in good condition.
• Dry laundry indoors.
• Get efficient air intake filters for your home and keep them in good condition. Change filters in spring and autumn.

Fine Particles and Ozone

• Consider moving indoors if you experience irritation symptoms.
• Avoid intense physical exertion outdoors.
• Avoid ventilating your home. Note that if the indoor temperature in your home rises uncomfortable high and you have respiratory or heart diseases, you should ventilate your home. Excessive heat can be a greater health risk for you than poor air quality.

Nitrogen Dioxide

• Spend time further away from busy places – even one block away from a busy street, the air is cleaner.
• Avoid intense physical exertion outdoors, especially near heavy traffic.
• Consider moving indoors if you experience irritation symptoms.

Follow air quality in real-time on our website  hsy.fi/en/airquality