Doctors have reported a spurt in cases of respiratory ailments among patients, especially in the recent years. Concerning respiratory diseases, we often talk of air pollution as the causative factor, which is why there is a need to focus on environmental pollution and ways to curb it. However, indoor air pollution is one of the most often neglected aspects. It will shock many that women and children, by spending more time in the house than males, are more exposed to the ill effects of indoor air pollution.
What causes air pollution within the house?
“Indoor pollution at home poses a significant health risk, as various pollutants can accumulate, thereby compromising the air quality. Common culprits include tobacco smoke, household cleaning products, mold, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by furniture and building materials. Moreover, inadequate ventilation increases the problem by trapping pollutants indoors, with long-term exposure to the same, causing respiratory issues such as Asthma and allergies,” said Dr Shobha Subramanian-Itolikar, Consultant Physician, Fortis Hospital Mulund.
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1.In rural areas, using coal, firewood, or Kerosene stoves for cooking leads to the emission of carbon soot that is inhaled by people in the household
2.Biomass, like cow dung used for various activities in rural households, can also contribute to indoor pollution
3.Exposure to animal dander, animal waste, and crop waste in rural women can cause chronic health problems
4.In rural as well as urban settings, indoor usage of various smoke-emitting fragrant substances used for worshiping rituals like charcoal tablets (dhoop), agarbatti, benzoin resins (sambrani), candles, etc. emit gaseous chemicals which everyone in the house inhales
5.Perfume sprays can also contain harmful chemicals that cause breathing problems
6.Neglected corners of the house contain dust and cobwebs, further exacerbating the problem
7.Moisture on the walls due to dampness/ humidity (especially when clothes are dried indoors in the monsoon) leads to fungi, mildew, and mold, which are inhaled as spores & cause health issues
8.Insect infestations, such as cockroaches and pantry moths, can lead to inhalation of insect dander, which can lead to various allergies, especially amongst people with vulnerable immune systems
9.Indoor insect repellent sprays—liquid or vaporizer—CFCs emitted from air conditioners and refrigerators, pollen from indoor plants, and passive or even active smoking, all have the potential to negatively impact a person's respiratory system.
How does it impact health?
Household pollution has a profound and multifaceted impact on health, encompassing a range of respiratory, cardiovascular, and psychological consequences. Exposure to indoor pollutants can trigger episodic or progressive Asthma, exacerbating symptoms and compromising respiratory function.
People may suffer from allergies affecting the skin and respiratory tract, leading to discomfort & impaired quality of life. Repeated episodes of Allergic Bronchitis can lead to severe coughing and breathlessness, contributing to respiratory distress. Other symptoms include burning eyes, persistent sneezing, and chest infections like Pneumonia & Bronchitis, which are familiar repercussions of prolonged exposure to household pollutants. Furthermore, the risk of developing Cancer is heightened, underscoring the gravity of the health hazards associated with household pollution.
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Chronic inflammation resulting from continuous exposure increases the likelihood of strokes and heart attacks, posing a significant threat to cardiovascular health. Individuals experience a diminished quality of life marked by persistent symptoms such as headaches, giddiness, and fatigue. In addition, psychological issues, including Depression and Anxiety, may arise due to the stress of recurrent illnesses.
Indoor pollution also affects pregnant women who face heightened risks, such as poor air quality, whether indoors or outdoors, which correlates with adverse foetal outcomes. Increased rates of miscarriages, low birth weight, pregnancy-induced Hypertension, pre-term deliveries, and subsequent risks of Asthma in infants, are all linked to oxygen deprivation during pregnancy caused by inadequate air quality. The far-reaching health implications underscore the importance of addressing and mitigating household pollution for the well-being of individuals & their communities.
How do we tackle indoor air pollution?
Some simple and effective ways to reduce indoor air pollution include the following:
1.Keep your house clean and dust-free, as far as possible
2.Ventilation must be maintained at all hours by keeping the windows open for air circulation and using exhaust & chimneys
3.Indoor air filters and natural household cleaners are highly recommended
4.All houses must also regularly service their ACs and refrigerators, and check for mold on the walls & ceilings
5.Ensure that everyone in the house is healthy by proactively encouraging an active lifestyle with regular follow-ups to the doctor for check-ups and vaccinations
6.Always use a face mask when dusting or spraying
7.Switch to clean cooking options like LPG, CNG, and solar power, wherever possible