Challenges of indoor and outdoor air pollution

Source: The post challenges of indoor and outdoor air pollution has been created, based on the article “Expert explains: What to know about indoor air quality and purification” published in “Indian Express” on 21st November 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3-Environment

Context: The article discusses the challenges of indoor and outdoor air pollution, focusing on the impact of PM2.5 on health. It explains how air purifiers can improve indoor air quality but highlights the inequities of relying on personal solutions instead of addressing outdoor pollution sources.

For detailed information on On Air Quality Standard of India read this article here

What is the Impact of Air Pollution on Different Groups?

1. Privileged Groups: They stay indoors in homes, offices, and vehicles, where air quality can be controlled. They use N95 masks, air purifiers, and AC cars to reduce exposure.
2. Vulnerable Groups: Street vendors, delivery workers, and laborers face prolonged outdoor exposure due to their work. They cannot afford air purifiers or sealed homes, making them more vulnerable to pollution.
3. Gendered Impact: Women in poorly ventilated kitchens face high indoor air pollution from cooking with solid fuels, leading to severe health risks.

How Can Indoor Air Quality Be Improved?

1. Limit Entry of Pollutants: Close windows and doors and seal gaps around them to reduce air leaks.
2. Use Air Purifiers: Place HEPA-based purifiers in high-use areas like bedrooms. Closing doors enhances efficiency. Avoid purifiers emitting ozone, as it worsens air quality.
3. Improve Ventilation: Ensure proper airflow, especially in kitchens, to prevent a build-up of cooking-related pollutants.
4. Monitor Air Quality: Use low-cost sensors to check PM2.5 levels indoors.
5. Reduce Harmful Activities: Avoid burning candles or incense, which release fine particles and harmful gases.

What are the Sources of Indoor Air Pollution?

1. Cooking with Solid Fuels: Releases fine particulate matter and carbon monoxide. Kitchens often have the highest pollution levels, especially in poorly ventilated homes. Women face the greatest burden due to traditional gender roles.
2. Burning Incense and Candles: Emits fine particles and volatile organic compounds, worsening air quality.
3. Poor Ventilation: Traps pollutants indoors, even in homes with modern stoves.
4. Outdoor Pollution Infiltration: Unsealed homes allow outdoor pollutants, like PM2.5, to enter easily.

For detailed information on INDOOR AIR POLLUTION read this article here

How Do Air Purifiers Help?

1. Air purifiers use a HEPA filter and a fan to trap PM2.5 particles.
2. Activated Carbon Filters: Help capture gaseous pollutants.
3. Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR): Indicates purifier efficiency, especially for large rooms.
   DIY purifiers with HEPA filters and fans are cost-effective. Avoid purifiers that emit ozone, as they can worsen air quality.

What are the Ethical Issues With Air Purifiers?

1. Air purifiers benefit those who can afford them but highlight inequality. They address symptoms of air pollution, not the root cause.
2. This selective protection may reduce the urgency for systemic changes needed to improve overall air quality.

Question for practice:

Examine the ethical implications of relying on air purifiers to address indoor air pollution while neglecting systemic solutions for outdoor pollution.