World Environment Day 2019: Breathe: Beat Air Pollution
Air pollution is a mixture of natural and man-made substances in the air we breathe. We can’t stop breathing, but we can do something about the quality of our air.
Air pollution occurs when harmful or excessive quantities of substances including gases, particles, and biological molecules are introduced into Earth’s atmosphere. Pollutants in the air aren’t always visible and come from many different sources. Air pollution can reach harmful concentrations both outside and indoors. Its effects can range from higher disease risks to rising temperatures. Soot, smoke, mold, pollen, methane, and carbon dioxide are a just few examples of common pollutants.
Nine out of ten people worldwide are exposed to levels of air pollutants that exceed World Health Organization safe levels. Around seven million people worldwide die prematurely each year from air pollution with about four million of these deaths occurring in Asia-Pacific. Air pollution causes a host of other problems, including illness and lower I.Q.s. It doesn’t just impact human health and economic growth. Many of the pollutants also cause global warming.
Indoor air pollution is the degradation of indoor air quality by harmful chemicals and other materials; it can be up to 10 times worse than outdoor air pollution. This is because contained areas enable potential pollutants to build up more than open spaces. The principal sources of indoor air pollution are: Combustion, building material, and bio-aerosols. While radon, asbestos, pesticides, heavy metals, volatile organic matter, and environmental tobacco smoke are considered major indoor pollutants.
Air pollution is preventable, Countries around the world are tackling various forms of air pollution. India, for example, bring cleaner cooking options to places where hazardous cook stoves are prevalent.
In any home, people can safeguard against indoor air pollution by increasing ventilation, testing for radon gas, using air purifiers, running kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans, and avoiding smoking. Below is the list of 9 air purifying Basil herbs, which are available in my Herbal Garden. There are another 6 Basil variety in my Herbal Garden, which are unidentified yet.
Camphor basil ( কৰ্পূৰ তুলসী)
Benefits: Insect repellent, acrid, anti-bacterial, ophthalmic, deodorant, bronchitis, anorexia and viral infections.
Clove Basil (ৰাম তুলসী)
Benefits: antibacterial, anti-fungal, larvicides etc.
Stevia rebaudiana (মধু তুলসী)
Benefits: Anti-diabetic, Decrease Hypertension, Weight loss, Anti-cancerous, Relief from the upset stomach, Anti-fungal and antibacterial, Healthy Liver, Healthy teeth.
Holy Basil (তুলসী)
Benefits: treatment of bronchitis, bronchial asthma, malaria, diarrhea, dysentery, skin diseases, arthritis, painful eye diseases, chronic fever, insect bite etc.
Mugwort (দমনা তুলসী)
Benefits: Arthritis/Joint Pain, Menstruation, Digestive Health, stomach acidity, dyspepsia, travel sickness and acute bowel and stomach pain.
Krishna Tulsi (কৃষ্ণ তুলসী)
Benefits: treat throat infections, respiratory system, nasal lesions, earache, skin diseases, Malaria, indigestion, headache, hysteria, insomnia and cholera.
Red Basil (তাম তুলসী)
Benefits: anti- oxidant with good anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial properties. Is also an excellent source of iron. It clears the mind and uplifts the spirit.
Licorice Basil
Benefits: Helps in Maintaining the Health of Skin, Reducing Stress, Detoxification of the body, Cure Numerous Common Disease, Respiratory Issue, arthritis, rheumatism.
Lemon Basil (নেমু তুলসী)
Benefits: infertility, immune system, controlling the levels of blood pressure, curing certain digestive issues, maintaining health of bones.
According to UN Environment, Air Pollution is preventable, but we need everyone on board. I respect and swear to work to prevent Air Pollution on this World Environment Day 2019. My Herbal Garden will always commits for environment and indigenous knowledge. Breathe: Beat Air Pollution.
Read previous year World Environment Day celebrations 2013, 2014, 2017 and 2018-
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World Environment Day 2019 Celebration:
Beat Air Pollution by Planting Air Purifying Herbs
I have created a herbal garden of more then 1000 medicinal herbs. Among them few basil species have air purifying properties.Hence, on this #WorldEnvironmentDay2019, I have organized an awareness program among school students and with their parents.
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