The AQI of metropolitan cities in India has turned hazardous, and Delhi is leading with 350+ numbers. Mumbai’s AQI is 115 whereas Kolkata’s is 134. While it’s the air pollution that is in the focus, you should also consider poor drinking water supply and land pollution which is leaving the indoors contaminated.
Amid this, if you are cooking, frying, using a grill, or a makeshift chulha for preparing winter delights, the AQI indoors is going to be worse than outdoors. Right now, your task is to prevent food contamination to avoid health ailments.
Filter Drinking Water
From using the RO to boiling water, make sure that the water is as pure as possible. Since you use water to wash dishes, vegetables, leafy greens, and fruits, it is essential that the liquid is clean to avoid contamination. Water is also the first thing you offer guests or drink several times a day, therefore, you must make sure it is clean. This will help you avoid many water-related illnesses.
Reduce Processed Food
Using plastic and cooking food that comes in processed packaging can add to food contamination. These packaging materials contain phthalates, BPA, and other harmful chemicals that can seep inside the organic produce and get inside your body causing different kinds of diseases. It is better to use glass containers to store food.
Wash Produce
Add vinegar to water to lemon juice when washing vegetables and fruits. It will help to get rid of dirt and dust along with some bacteria that the naked eye cannot catch. Youf can also peel vegetables and fruits before eating to avoid consuming harmful elements. Use soft scrubbers to remove pesticide or chemical residue on the surface of vegetables and fruits.
Limit Metal Exposure
If you are a seafood enthusiast, you must avoid consuming certain kinds of fish like swordfish, tuna, or king mackerel. They might have high levels of mercury. Instead, opt for sardines, salmon, or trout. You should purchase food from certified sources and make sure they tell you if any kind of metal is present in the produce.
Ventilate Kitchen
One of the best ways to limit pollution in the house is by allowing the air to ventilate the space, including the kitchen. It will ensure smoke does not leave you suffocated. You can drive cooking fumes and pollutants out of the house with this method. Despite a chimney in the kitchen, always keep the windows and doors open.
Store In Airtight Containers
When it comes to storing food, use airtight containers to make sure no pollutants, dust particles, or fumes can contaminate food items. It will also prevent moisture buildup which can lead to the breeding of germs and bacteria. For fresh produce like fruits and vegetables, keep them in mesh bags even when stored inside the refrigerator to avoid air pollutants directly coming into contact with them.
Avoid Cooking On High Heat
While cooking on high heat seems like a shortcut to preparing food in a jiffy, it can release harmful chemicals and compounds like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and acrylamide. They contribute to indoor pollution and contamination of food. Since the festive season is also over, you can opt for boiling or steaming which keep the quality and nutrients of food intact without adding hazardous components into the air.