10 ways to reduce your exposure to air pollution in London

To coincide with Earth Day 2018, we erected Michael Pinsky's innovative immersive installation Pollution Pods in our courtyard. Using technology by Airlabs, the work simulates the sensation of air pollution levels of five global cities. Sitting in one of the most polluted areas of London, the company's CEO Sophie Power gives 10 practical tips for reducing your exposure to harmful pollutants in the city.

1. Take care when cooking

Gases and particles are given off when cooking, ensure the kitchen is properly ventilated when cooking and keep children away if you smell smoke.

2. Cars are not safe havens

Harmful gases from exhausts pass straight through car air filters and accumulate in car cabins making it more harmful to be inside a car than on the street! Always set your air to recirculate when in tunnels or traffic to avoid the worst exposure.

3. Active transport is safer

If you live in London, plan your routes using online pollution maps for your area. Walking has many health benefits, including being able to avoid pollution on busy roads which is proven to reduce exposure by 30-60%.

4. Avoid hotspots

Air pollution levels can change significantly within only a few metres and walking on the building side of a pavement versus the roadside can reduce exposure by up to 30%. Children breathe more polluted air closer to the ground, so always keep buggies back from the roadside when waiting to cross the road.

5. Watch the wood burner

Indoor wood burners are gaining popularity but especially older versions can release high levels of particles inside, as well as out into the environment. Check yours, and ensure you ventilate your house frequently.

6. Clean less

Most cleaning products and household goods such as paint and air fresheners release gases and that “clean” smell is actually a mix of Volatile Organic Compounds. VOCs have been linked to a broad spectrum of health problems, from headaches to asthma and cancer. Reducing use and properly ventilating after cleaning and painting helps reduce exposure.

7. Don’t smoke

Even when done outdoors, you bring in many of the pollutants indoors on your clothes.

Pollution Pods by Michael Pinsky was open from 18 - 25 April 2018. A new flag commission, T H E U N S E E N: Choropleth, launched alongside on Earth Day and reacts to UV Pollution levels in the environment around Somerset House. Find out more here.