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Smog and air pollution: how to protect your family’s health

Smog: protect your health: a practical guide

⏱ 2 min read

Air quality, masks, purifier. A guide based on official advice. The same text is in the free SurvivalZone.app and works without internet.

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In winter, air quality in many towns in Central and Eastern Europe is among the worst on the continent. The main causes are homes heated with coal and wood in old stoves, and traffic.

Smog is especially harmful for children, older people, pregnant women and people with heart and lung disease.

Check air quality

  1. The European Environment Agency publishes current air quality across Europe, and national agencies such as Germany's Federal Environment Agency publish local data. Check it before a walk, a workout or going out with a child.

When the air is bad

  1. Cut down on exercise outdoors and move workouts inside.
  2. Air your home briefly, at times when air quality is better.
  3. Outdoors, a well-fitted FFP2 mask stops a large share of particles.
  4. People with asthma or heart disease should carry their medicines and have a plan from their doctor.

Air purifiers

  1. A purifier with a HEPA filter in the bedroom can clearly improve air quality at home. Choose one for the size of the room and change the filter regularly.

Less smog from you

  1. Never burn rubbish or wet wood in a stove. If you have an old coal stove, check grant schemes for switching to cleaner heating. Walk or cycle short distances.

Checklist

  1. Air quality app on your phone
  2. A plan for exercise on smog days
  3. FFP2 masks for the family
  4. HEPA purifier in the bedroom
  5. Medicines and a plan for people with asthma
  6. No burning of rubbish

See also

Frequently asked questions

How do I check air quality?

On the European Environment Agency's air quality index and on your national environment agency's website or app.

Do masks protect against smog?

A well-fitted FFP2 mask stops a large share of particles. Cloth masks protect poorly.

Should I air my home during smog?

Briefly, at times when air quality is best. A HEPA air purifier helps.

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Sources

Official sources are checked automatically every day. Last check: 2026-11-04.

General guidance only; it does not replace the emergency services. If a life is in danger, call 112.