Understanding Indoor Air Pollution
- Indoor air pollution is often overlooked, especially in urban India, where people spend 70–90% of their time indoors.
- Unlike well-insulated buildings in developed countries, Indian homes are more permeable, leading to an infiltration of outdoor pollutants indoors.
- Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is influenced by:
- Outdoor pollutants entering through windows, doors, and poor insulation.
- Indoor sources, such as cooking, smoking, use of mosquito coils, incense, chemical cleaners, and building materials (e.g., VOCs in paint).
Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology)
Major Domestic Indoor Pollutants
- Smoke from solid fuel use (prevalent in rural areas).
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from furnishings, paint, adhesives, etc.
- Carbon dioxide build-up in crowded, poorly ventilated spaces.
- Biological contaminants such as mould and mildew.
- Particulate matter and allergens from incense sticks, smoking, and cleaning agents.
Health Impacts of Indoor Air Pollution
- Short-term effects: Eye, nose, throat irritation, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.
- Long-term effects: Chronic respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and diabetes.
- Health symptoms may mimic viral illnesses, delaying diagnosis and treatment.
- Poor IAQ has been associated with “Sick Building Syndrome” and reduced productivity in offices.
Design-Related Causes & Solutions
- Lack of proper ventilation is a key design flaw in many urban buildings.
- Shutting windows and doors to block outdoor air traps indoor pollutants.
- Better design can incorporate:
- Cross-ventilation and natural air flow.
- Skylights and natural lighting for reduced use of artificial lighting and improved mood.
- Green indoor spaces for natural purification.
- Use of toxin-free building materials (e.g., low-formaldehyde products).
- HEPA filters and air purifiers to remove particulates.
Role of Architecture and Green Design
- New construction: Easier to integrate sustainable, healthy design features.
- Retrofit possibilities:
- More complex but feasible with investments.
- Priority in high-risk zones like hospitals or high-rise apartments.
- Post-COVID: Increased awareness of filtered air systems in healthcare and commercial buildings.
- Separation of zones, reduced crowding, and natural light can support both physical and mental health.
Climatic & Environmental Considerations
- India’s coastal cities with high humidity and rising temperatures may worsen indoor air quality.
- Green design is now cost-effective due to increased demand and tech accessibility.
- Buildings with air conditioning must use high-quality filters and plan for:
- Proper waste management,
- Smooth occupant movement,
- Easy-to-clean surfaces.
Policy and Public Health Perspective
- Indoor air pollution remains under-addressed in public health discourse.
- Requires:
- Inclusion in urban planning policies.
- Awareness campaigns on indoor pollutant sources.
- Incentivizing green buildings and retrofitting programs.
Concluding Insights
- Better design is both preventive and remedial.
- Where possible, a “back to basics” approach — ventilation and greenery — can be simple and effective.
- Indoor air quality must become a mainstream public health priority, especially in urbanizing India.
