Indoor air pollution: can better design help protect our health?

Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 7)

Outdoor vs Indoor Air Pollution

• Most people think of air pollution as an outdoor problem, but indoor air can also be harmful.

• In urban areas, people spend around 70–90% of their time indoors, yet indoor air quality is often overlooked.

Sources of Indoor Air Pollution

• In rural India, indoor air pollution mainly comes from using solid fuels for cooking.

• In cities, indoor pollution arises from smoking, cooking, incense sticks, chemical cleaners, and mosquito coils.

• Building materials like paint, plaster, and furnishings also release harmful substances.

• Outdoor pollution can also enter buildings, especially in places with poor insulation.

Understanding Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

• IAQ refers to the quality of air inside and around buildings.

• Poor IAQ can lead to health problems like eye and throat irritation, headaches, and fatigue.

• Long-term exposure may cause respiratory diseases, heart conditions, and even cancer.

• Crowded spaces with poor ventilation can lead to a buildup of carbon dioxide and sickness.

Role of Design and Ventilation

• Lack of ventilation in buildings traps indoor air and increases pollution levels.

• Opening windows, allowing sunlight, and using indoor plants can improve air quality.

• In hospitals and other enclosed places, design strategies like using HEPA filters and reducing harmful materials are helpful.

Need for Healthy Building Practices

• Green building design is becoming more affordable and common after COVID-19.

• Healthy design includes good airflow, natural lighting, proper waste disposal, and fewer people in closed spaces.

• Retrofitting older buildings is possible but more difficult. Simple steps like opening windows and adding greenery still help.