Not to be struck by a bullet does not mean to stay healthy and unharmed because the air during shelling also contains danger. 1 kg of explosives produces several cubic meters of toxic gases (SO2, NOx, CO) that also contain under-acidified organic compounds. Without protection of breathing organs such gases may cause serious diseases that will manifest as cough, heavy breathing, faintness, and toxic substances in blood will also poison organism.
Exceeding concentration of hydrogen sulfide gas cases increased mucus production in respiratory tract, cough, hoarseness, eyes irritation. Carbon monoxide gas even in small concentration causes dizziness and nausea. Combined with hemoglobin it forms carboxyhemoglobin and thus blood loses the ability to carry oxygen to the tissues of organism, leading to hypoxia. Nitrogen oxide causes irritation of mucous membranes. Moreover, even small concentrations of this gas – 4 ppm- may cause breathing difficulties. Carbon dioxide can cause adverse effect for human organism leading to lower immune response to diseases, lack of oxygen for tissues, especially when speaking about children. This gas deteriorates scent and night vision. Inhaling vapor of aromatic hydrocarbons may lead to effects resembling those caused by drugs, then comes gradual depression, convulsions, stopped breathing. Also, blood system and blood production organs are affected, there are dysfunctions of nervous system, problems with liver and internal secretion organs.
That is why it is crucial to take care of your health in the field conditions. Below you may find several pieces of advice that can be useful.
- To use respiratory masks for breathing. They filter the air quite well, and this is one of the most effective means of protecting respiratory organs.
- Rinse eyes after shelling. So far, there are no special eye-glassesя that would protect from harmful gases in the air. Physiological solution, regular tea, camomile tea or 2% solution of boric acid can be used to drip into eyes. It is important that the pipette should be full. It is necessary to rinse eyes 3-4 times a day in the conditions of regular shelling.
- Increase consumption of water. It is necessary to drink 2-3 liters of water daily. In order to compensate the loss of salts and microelements, it is better to use a bit salted or mineral alkali water milk drinks, juices, compot, green tea. It is prohibited to drink coffee and sparkling water. It is advisable to eat more vegetable products and lemons.
- Avoid being caught in precipitation. If this still happens, it is important to take a shower and wash off acid substances.
The following tips may be useful for residents of the ATO zone:
- Don’t go out during shelling and several hours after it. If there is a critical need to go out, one has to use a thick (8-10 layers of gauze) cotton gauze face mask soaked in water. But such a mask will be effective only during for 20-30 minutes. Then it should be washed; otherwise, it will be a collector of bacteria and chemicals in it will be dangerous.
- Close windows tightly. If there is a need to open windows, they should be covered with wet cloth that should be regularly changed.
- If possible, systems of air conditioning, purification and humidification should be used.
- It is important to use wet cleaning and raise humidity by putting containers with water or spray water with pulverizer.
- Increase consumption of water.
- Avoid physical strain. Physical activity makes a person breath frequently and deeply, which is harmful if the air is contaminated.
- Avoid being caught in precipitation.
- When illness symptoms arise (heavy breathing, cough, insomnia), one should see a doctor.
Contact details:
Kateryna Norenko, EPL environmentalist
office@epl.org.ua , kateryna.norenko@gmail.com
(032) 225 76 82
