Activity survival guide for highly polluted days

•Limit time outdoors and avoid areas where air quality is poor, such as near busy roads and at times of day (early mornings and peak traffic hours) when air pollution levels are high.

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•Moving activity indoors reduces ozone exposures, especially if your windows are shut and you have the air conditioner on. Other air pollutants may be present, though at lower levels.

•Change your activity levels. If you walk instead of run, for example, the amount of polluted air you inhale is reduced.

•Use only N95 or P100 face-masks (respirators) that effectively remove very small airborne particles.

•While free-standing air-filter units lower airborne particles (not gas), they are not proven to protect against the adverse effects of indoor cigarette smoke (which emits both particles and gases) on heart or lung disease.

•People with asthma, allergies, pregnant women, smokers and people who have diagnosed heart disease should avoid even routine activity in heavily polluted air.