GS3 – Environment
Context
A study by Ahmedabad University reveals that indoor air can be significantly more polluted than outdoor air, especially in urban Indian households.
Key Findings:
- Indoor PM (Particulate Matter) levels were 2.5 times higher than outdoors for over 50% of the time.
- Sources: Cooking, perfumes, aerosols, disinfectants, room sprays.
- Poor Ventilation allows accumulation of pollutants, raising health risks.
- Domestic Workers face disproportionate exposure, working in multiple households without control over air quality.
Policy Limitations:
- Current policies like NCAP (National Clean Air Programme) focus only on outdoor pollution.
- Building Codes lack provisions for natural ventilation, especially in low-cost housing.
- Public Awareness about indoor pollution remains low.