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Indoor Air Pollution: Causes and harmful impacts
- 1. Indoor Air pollution: sourcesand health impacts; Global and Indian context Riya Pankaj B21ME055
- 2. Indoor air pollution isthe contamination of indoor air by harmful pollutants Sources of Indoor Air Pollution Outside air Outdoor air pollution can seep indoors through windows, doors, and ventilation systems Chulhas Traditional chulhas release harmful smoke, impacting indoor air quality. Tobacco Tobacco smoke pollutes indoor air and harms health. Dust Household dust contains toxic chemicals, allergens, and even microplastics Wall and furniture paint They release VOCs for weeks or even months Agarbatti, Wood and Paper Burning
- 3. Common Indoor Air Pollutants Airborne Particles It include dust, mold spores, pet dander, pollen, and microscopic particles from cooking and smoking e.g. PM10 Indoor Formaldehyde released from furniture, plywood, and adhesives, can cause eye irritation and long-term health risks Household Odors And Gases Released from cooking, cleaning products, and waste release VOCs Ozone Indoor ozone, from air purifiers and electronic devices, can react with other chemicals to form harmful byproducts. Carbon dioxide Indoor CO₂ from breathing, cooking, and poor ventilation can cause drowsiness and reduce cognitive function.
- 4. Health Effects Of IndoorAir Pollution Respiratory Issues It can trigger respiratory issues like asthma, bronchitis, and chronic lung diseases, especially in vulnerable individuals Confusion Headache Anxiety Lung Cancer Prolonged exposure to indoor pollutants like tobacco smoke, radon, and formaldehyde increases the risk of lung cancer Heart Ailments Indoor air pollution can elevate blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke Genetic disorder It may contribute to DNA damage COPD & Asthma Indoor air pollutants like dust, smoke, and mold can trigger asthma attacks and contribute to the development of COPD
- 5. Around 2.1 billionpeople worldwide (around a third of the global population) cook using open fires or inefficient stoves fueled by kerosene, biomass Global Context of Indoor Air Pollution Household air pollution was responsible for an estimated 3.2 million deaths per year in 2020 The combined effects of ambient air pollution and household air pollution are associated with 6.7 million premature deaths annually. Women and children, typically responsible for household chores such as cooking collecting firewood, bear the greatest health burden
- 6. Sustainable development goals& air pollution SDG Indicator 3.9.1 Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution (per 100 000 population, age-standardized) aims to reduce deaths and illnesses from indoor and outdoor air pollution by improving air quality and health conditions. SDG Indicator 7.1.2 Proportion of population with primary reliance on clean fuels and technologies for cooking (71%) focuses on increasing access to clean cooking fuels and technologies to reduce indoor air pollution and health risks. SDG Indicator 11.6.2 Concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) tracks annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) in cities to assess air quality and its impact on health.
- 7. ACTIONS TAKEN BYTHE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT Launched in 2019 to reduce air pollution, including indoor sources. Target: 20-30% reduction in PM2.5 and PM10 levels by 2024. However, this target was revised in 2022 to a 40% reduction by 2025-26. Focus on indoor pollution through awareness and clean energy promotion. Encourages LPG use under Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY). Supports better ventilation and clean cooking solutions. Monitors air quality in urban and rural areas. Promotes research on indoor pollutants and health impacts. National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)
- 8. ACTIONS TAKEN BYTHE CPCB Air Quality Monitoring: Expanding monitoring networks for PM2.5 and PM10. Regulatory Measures: Enforcing emission norms for industries and household fuels. Promoting Clean Cooking: Supporting LPG adoption to reduce indoor pollution. Awareness Campaigns: Educating on health risks and pollution control measures. Research & Studies: Assessing indoor air pollutants and their impact. Guidelines & Policies: Developing indoor air quality standards. Collaboration: Working with state boards, NGOs, and research institutions.
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