With Rising AQI in Delhi, Safeguard Yourself With Hollywood’s Tom Hanks Way: Exploring His Method Against Pollution

Delhi’s air quality has been dipping again, and many parts of the city are stuck in the “very poor” or even “severe” category. When the AQI goes this high, breathing itself becomes stressful. Eyes burn, throats feel scratchy, and long outdoor commutes start to feel like a health risk. As people look for ways to cope, an interesting conversation has resurfaced online where Hollywood actor Tom Hanks’ personal approach to protecting himself from pollution. 

The method was shared in an article. It’s simple, practical, and surprisingly relevant for Delhiites right now. He upgraded from a basic mask to a full respirator for real protection against dirty air. It's a simple move that fits right into Delhi's smog fight.

Tom Hanks' Pollution Hack Explained

A World Health Network piece calls it "Doing a Tom Hanks." They caught the actor on NYC subways first with a medical mask, then switched to a respirator. Why? Respirators like N95 or higher seal tightly and filter out tiny particles that regular masks miss.

”It pretty much works all the time.”

Tom Hanks gets that masking keeps him safe and healthy. Read more about it → https://t.co/wwyUpzPDq5#PublicHealth #MaskUp #COVID19 #InfectionPrevention #LongCOVID pic.twitter.com/dWQgbxjClb

— World Health Network (@TheWHN) November 6, 2025

He wears a mask during high-risk activities, especially because he cannot afford to fall sick while working on a play. His statements are simple but relatable:

• “I am doing a play right now, so I cannot afford to get sick.”
• “I have had COVID enough in my life; I don’t want to do that again.”
• “I am wearing this for health reasons.”

The idea behind “Doing a Tom Hanks” is not about fear. It’s about planning ahead, knowing your risks, and using common-sense precautions to stay healthy, especially when missing an important event is not an option.

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How to ‘Do a Tom Hanks’: A Practical Step-by-Step Method

This framework is about reducing your risk of infections. It can also help people in polluted cities protect themselves better.

1. Plan, Identify & Know

Think ahead and look at your calendar. If you have a big exam, a wedding, or travel coming up, try to stay extra careful for at least three weeks before the event.

Identify risky situations such as:

• Buses, metros, trains, flights
• Hospitals or clinics
• Crowded indoor spaces like restaurants and bars
• Places with poor ventilation

Also, identify people who may increase your exposure:

• Anyone with a cough, cold, or fever
• People who have been around sick individuals
• Young children who may bring infections from school
• Keep an eye on community infection levels. When cases rise, your risk rises too.

2. Act

This is where Tom Hanks’ style becomes practical.

• Wear a well-fitted FFP2 or N95 mask on public transport or in crowded spaces.
• Keep a spare mask with you in case someone near you starts coughing.
• Avoid meeting people who are currently sick. Switch to virtual meetings temporarily.
• If you must meet someone outdoors, stand upwind and politely excuse yourself if they show symptoms.
• Choose outdoor cafés or restaurants when possible.
• For indoor events, ask about ventilation. Use open windows or cross-ventilation.
• If hosting at home, keep air moving and use a HEPA filter if you have one.
• If a family member is infected, plan separate rooms, masks, and ventilation to limit spread.

Why These Steps Matter During High Pollution

While Tom Hanks’ method was designed for infection control, many of the steps also help during high pollution. Masks reduce inhalation of harmful particles, better ventilation lowers indoor pollutant levels, and limiting exposure protects vulnerable people. This makes the strategy a helpful guiding framework for polluted cities like Delhi.

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Conclusion

Delhi’s rising AQI is a reminder that health protection doesn’t have to be complicated. Tom Hanks’ simple, practical approach, plan ahead, know your risks, and take small actions — can help you stay safer from both pollution and respiratory infections. A little awareness can go a long way in keeping you healthy during tough air-quality months.