Research by the Centre for Science & Environment (CSE) presents valuable insights into the state of particulate matter and indoor pollution in India. These findings indicate a significant reduction in PM 2.5 in recent years, as well as underline the links between environmental and indoor air pollution. Additionally, it emphasizes the need to reduce pollution further to meet international air quality standards.
A Look at PM 2.5 Levels
The Centre for Science & Environment (CSE) has found that the average levels of PM 2.5 – particulate matter with a diameter less than 2.5 microns – were 25% lower during 2016-18 compared to the 2011-14 baseline period. Despite the decrease in days with severe PM 2.5 levels since 2015, Delhi still needs to reduce the pollution levels by 65% to meet global air quality norms.
The Link Between Environmental and Indoor Pollution
Understanding the connection between environmental air pollution and indoor air pollution is crucial. People spend approximately 90% of their time indoors, thereby underscoring the importance of indoor air quality. As per the State Of Global Air Report 2019, around 846 million individuals in India faced exposure to household air pollution in 2017. This statistic equates to nearly 60% of the country’s populace.
Sources of Pollutants
Pollutants can primarily be classified into two groups: primary and secondary. Primary pollutants come directly from various sources including buildings, consumer products like cleaning supplies, off-gassing items, human metabolic emissions, and outdoor air infiltration. Secondary pollutants on the other hand, are produced via chemical reactions in the air. For instance, cooking releases a plethora of materials such as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Nitrogen Oxide (NOx), and other particles. These compounds, particularly VOCs and NOx react in sunlight to form ozone, a critical component of smog.
Impact of Indoor Pollution
The presence of ground-level ozone, a consequence of indoor pollution, can raise the likelihood of an individual succumbing to respiratory illnesses, specifically cardiovascular diseases. In 2017, exposure to PM 2.5 was identified as a prime risk factor for type 2 diabetes-related deaths and disability. Moreover, Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) can trigger inflammation of the airways, diminish lung function, and enhance susceptibility to allergens over time.
Indoor Pollution Related Findings
| Study | Key Findings |
|---|---|
| HOMEChem Experiment by The University of Texas | Identified sources of oxidants in indoor environment. Highlighted issues of solid fuel usage in rural households and exposure related to cooking, smoking, use of incense and consumer products in urban areas. |
Strategies to Combat Indoor Pollution
To combat the issue of indoor pollution, a few simple measures can be highly beneficial. These include cooking with active ventilation (particularly during frying), curtailing the use of incense sticks, candles, and room fresheners, and restricting outdoor air infiltration on days of high pollution. Buildings in India often have natural ventilation and can potentially be leaky; therefore, ensuring proper sealing is crucial. Moreover, addressing the lack of standards for measuring indoor air pollution remains a pressing need. Policy attention must remain focused on household air pollution, especially in Asia and Africa, where the usage of solid fuel for cooking and heating remains high.
