We all breathe the same air….

The rising air pollution is taking its toll on the health of the population all over the world.  The air pollution-related diseases and the general discomfort it creates in any environment are burdensome for the governments all over the world. In terms of statistics, 7 million lives are lost every year due to air pollution related health problems. In terms of daily experience, 90% of the global population is exposed to dirty air, caused by some or other local factor.

Though we all know of the pollution caused by fossil-fuel plants, biomass power plants, factories, agricultural emissions and aviation industry and even of methane released by cattle; as also of the terms like climate change, ozone hole, acid rain and global warming , not many of us know how we ourselves are contributing to this air pollution. Indoor air pollution is a reality in all the countries of the world, be it developed, developing or underdeveloped. Here are the ways it seeps into our lives.

The air inside a home can get polluted by the release of chemicals called VOCs ( Volatile organic compounds) from building materials such as insulation which might contain deteriorated asbestos ; furnishings, carpets and certain type of furniture made of pressed wood which might continue releasing formaldehyde fumes into the home environment all through its life span, and from wall paints containing lead. These are invisible irritants for general health.

The type of fuel being used for cooking food and for heating home also contributes. In homes where coal, wood, kerosene, dung and crop residues are used to cook food, a large amount of particulate matter, almost 20 times higher than the WHO air quality guidelines, is released. Even LPG gas stoves release nitrogen dioxide which in case of defective appliance and insufficient ventilation may lead to asthma in children. The carbon monoxide leakages from air heaters are fatal.

We all have heard of CFCs ( now phased out) and HFCs ( in the process of being phased out) used in refrigerators and air conditioners and their contribution to greenhouse effect. Release of chemical pollutants from the home air fresheners happens almost continuously and from the routine cleaning products it happens intermittently. The freshening-up deodorant sprays we use, release aerosols in the air.

Someone smoking inside the home can release enough aerosols to cause second-hand ( passive, by being in the vicinity) or third-hand( ultra-passive , through furnishings and other surfaces) smoking . The incense sticks we burn release tiny particulate matter( PM2.5), formaldehyde and Benzene into the air. The burning of wax candles releases hydrocarbons and trace quantities of toluene and benzene which in absence of proper ventilation are harmful.

On entering a damp unventilated room, we smell a musty odour. Mold and mildew on the walls, floors, ceilings, and basements is an air pollutant as it releases toxic microbial volatile organic compounds ( mVOCs). Pet dander, dust mite matter and pollens are released routinely in the home air. These on inhalation can cause various respiratory problems.

The pesticides used in landscaping and the fertilisers used in home gardens all land up floating into homes. This and many more such minor things add up to cause the air inside our homes to be impure and detrimental to our health.

Is maintaining a healthy environment inside home a tall order? Not necessarily. Just by ensuring proper ventilation, installing high efficiency particulate air filters, using green home cleaning and freshening products ( even traditional ones), repairing any water seepages promptly (to prevent mold formation) and keeping indoor plants which purify air can all build up a healthy and safe air quality in our abodes. Charity and course corrections both begin at home.