Chennai: With increasing incidence of respiratory conditions in the city, health experts warn of the hazards of indoor air pollution as several recent studies indicate that concentration of pollutants in the indoor environment is much higher than that of the urban outdoor ambient environment, making people highly vulnerable to the hazards of poor indoor air quality.
The recent study by the World Health Organization on indoor pollution and its effects states that as people spend more than 90 percent of their daily life indoor, either inside offices, commercial or industrial buildings, schools, colleges or inside residential houses. Though respiratory diseases due to the use of solid fuels affect a large population in rural areas, urban population is also affected by indoor pollution.
“In urban settings, it is poor ventilation, dust, mites, pollens and other trapped irritants that make the air quality extremely unhealthy for breathing. While children under the age of five are prone to developing respiratory conditions if exposed to indoor air pollution, people with existing condition report exacerbation, leading to increased mortality,” said Dr. R. Narasimhan, senior pulmonologist, Apollo Hospitals, Chennai.
However, doctors say that despite high risks of diseases such as pneumonia, asthma, allergies and other respiratory diseases, people remain oblivious to the risks of indoor air pollution.
“Air-conditioners are a source of pollutants and microbes such as bacteria and fungi in workplaces and households, which lead to asthma and respiratory problems. Use of paints and incense sticks in a place containing allergens can also affect the respiratory system. Such places should be exposed to sunlight for at least two hours a day to prevent ailments,” said Dr Prasanna Kumar Thomas, pulmonologist, Fortis Malar.
Doctors say that indoor air quality can be maintained to certain extent by proper ventilation, planting indoor plants and other dust control methods like air purifiers.
With increasing recognition of air purifiers and technological advancements, an air purifier capturing minute air pollutants can be one of the most effective way to tackle the problem, says Arvind Chabra, head, Blueair India.
