Indoor Air Pollution: Sources, Impacts & Solutions

Table of contents

Air pollution is often discussed in the context of outdoor environments, but indoor air quality is equally significant. While the privileged can control indoor air through purifiers and air conditioning, most Indians—street vendors, delivery workers, and those in unsealed homes—face unavoidable exposure to pollutants.

About Indoor Air Pollution

Indoor air pollution may be defined as the presence of solid, liquid, or gaseous pollutants, including particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide, and biological contaminants, within indoor environments at concentrations that can be directly or indirectly harmful to human health, living organisms, and property or that interfere with normal physiological and environmental processes.

Key Facts on Indoor Air Pollution

Global Prevalence: Around one-third of the global population relies on polluting fuels and technologies, primarily in rural and economically weaker sections. (Source: WHO, 2023)
Health Impact: Indoor air pollution caused an estimated 3.2 million deaths in 2020, including over 237,000 child deaths under five years. (Source: WHO, 2022)
Premature Deaths: Combined household and ambient air pollution contribute to 6.7 million premature deaths annually. (Source: WHO, 2023)
Chronic Diseases: Exposure leads to stroke, ischemic heart disease, COPD, and lung cancer. (Source: UNEP, 2023)
Women & Children at Risk: Due to their role in household chores, women and children face the highest exposure to toxic smoke and pollutants. (Source: WHO, 2023)
Lack of Clean Energy Access: Without policy intervention, 1.8 billion people will still lack access to clean cooking fuels and technologies by 2030. (Source: IEA, 2023)

Major Sources of Indoor Air Pollution

Combustion sources: Burning of solid fuels like wood, coal, dung, and agricultural waste releases particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon monoxide (CO), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Kerosene and gas stoves: Kerosene lamps, stoves, and LPG combustion emit black carbon, CO, and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), worsening respiratory and cardiovascular health.
Radon gas: A radioactive gas seeping from the soil into buildings, increasing the risk of lung cancer.
Biological contaminants: Mold, fungi, pet dander, dust mites, and pollen act as allergens, leading to respiratory infections, asthma, and bronchitis.
Poor ventilation: Inadequate air circulation traps pollutants indoors, leading to higher CO₂ levels, discomfort, fatigue, and cognitive decline.
Others: Household chemicals like cleaning agents, paints, and pesticides release harmful VOCs, causing neurological disorders and hormonal imbalances.

Impacts of Indoor Air Pollution

Health Impacts

Cardiovascular Diseases: Indoor air pollution is a major cause of cardiovascular diseases, contributing to 32% of ischaemic heart disease deaths and 23% of stroke-related fatalities worldwide. (WHO, 2023)
Respiratory Diseases: Indoor air pollution increases the risk of lower respiratory infections (LRI), causing 21% of deaths. In contrast, nearly half of all pneumonia deaths in children under five are linked to toxic smoke inhalation. (WHO, 2022)
Chronic and Life-Threatening Conditions: Long-term exposure is linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), causing 19% of COPD-related deaths, and 6% of lung cancer fatalities due to carcinogenic pollutants. (UNEP, 2023; WHO, 2023)
Other Health Risks: Additional health risks include low birth weight, tuberculosis, cataracts, throat cancers, and developmental disorders, further worsening public health. (Lancet, 2023)

Socio-Economic and Environmental Impact

Impact on Women & Children: Women and girls spend hours collecting firewood, leading to physical strain, exposure to violence, and injuries, while indoor smoke limits their education, employment, and economic opportunities. (UNDP, 2023; WHO, 2023)
Contribution to Climate Change: Household cooking stoves release black carbon (soot) and methane, potent short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs), while indoor air pollution significantly worsens ambient air quality. (IPCC, 2023; WHO, 2023)
Financial Burden: Families reliant on polluting fuels spend a significant portion of their income on fuel collection or purchase, while medical costs from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases further add to their economic burden. (IEA, 2023; Lancet, 2023)

Measures to Improve Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

Addressing IAQ requires a multi-dimensional approach, focusing on source control, ventilation, air purification, household practices, & policy interventions to create healthier and more sustainable living environments.

Source Control: Eliminating Pollutants at the Root

Switch to Clean Cooking Solutions: Use Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), biogas, electricity, or solar cookers instead of biomass fuels.
Improve Combustion Appliances: Upgrade to Improved Biomass Cookstoves (ICS) with low emissions and better efficiency.
Eliminate Toxic Materials: Ban asbestos-containing materials (ACM), lead-based paints, and formaldehyde-emitting products.
Reduce Indoor Pollution Sources: Restrict indoor smoking, incense burning, and synthetic air fresheners that release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).

Enhancing Ventilation and Air Circulation

Improve Ventilation: Use cross-ventilation techniques by opening windows and doors when outdoor air quality is good.
Use Mechanical Ventilation: Install exhaust fans, kitchen chimneys, and bathroom ventilators to expel indoor pollutants.
Adopt Smart Ventilation Systems: Install Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs) or Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) for better airflow while conserving energy.
Integrate HVAC-Based Air Purification: Use Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems with HEPA and Carbon Filtration.

Air Purification and Indoor Air Quality Monitoring

Use High-Efficiency Filters: Install High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) and Activated Carbon Filters (ACF) to remove PM2.5, VOCs, allergens, and harmful gases.
Choose Effective Air Purifiers: Select purifiers with a high Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) for maximum filtration efficiency.
Monitor Air Quality in Real Time: Use PM2.5 Sensors and CO₂ Monitors to track indoor pollution levels and adjust ventilation accordingly.

Household Practices and Personal Protective Measures

Maintain Clean Indoor Spaces: Regular wet mopping, vacuuming with HEPA filters, and dust control prevent pollutant accumulation.
Minimise Chemical Exposure: Use low-VOC paints, adhesives, and cleaning products to reduce toxic emissions.
Avoid Indoor Waste Burning: Ensure proper waste disposal to prevent additional indoor pollution.
Use Personal Protection: Wear N95 or N99 Respirators in high-pollution environments and limit time in poorly ventilated spaces.

Policy Interventions and Public Awareness

Enforce IAQ Regulations: Implement Indoor Air Quality Standards (IAQS) in homes, workplaces, and public buildings.
Promote Energy-Efficient Housing: Encourage Green Building Certification (LEED, GRIHA) and National Energy-Efficient Building Codes (ECBC) to integrate better ventilation and air filtration.
Raise Public Awareness: Conduct educational campaigns on household air pollution risks and promote clean energy adoption.

Key Tools & Technologies for Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Improvement in India

Tool/Technology

Function

Adaptation in India

Challenges

High-Efficiency Particulate Air Filters (HEPA Filters)

Captures 99.97% of fine particles (PM2.5, allergens, bacteria).

Used in air purifiers, hospitals, and HVAC systems in urban areas.

High-cost limits accessibility for lower-income households.

Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR)

Measures the efficiency of air purifiers in removing pollutants.

Growing awareness has led to increased adoption in urban homes and offices.

Lack of standardisation and consumer awareness.

Activated Carbon Filters (ACF)

Absorbs harmful gases like VOCs, formaldehyde, and benzene.

Used in industrial setups and air purifiers to control toxic emissions.

Limited usage in rural areas due to lack of awareness and affordability.

Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) & Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV)

Ensures fresh air circulation while conserving energy.

Emerging in high-end residential and commercial buildings.

High installation costs and low market penetration.

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC Systems)

Provides clean and filtered air circulation in buildings.

Used in malls, airports, and premium housing projects.

High energy consumption and expensive maintenance.

Particulate Matter Sensors

Monitors real-time indoor pollution levels.

Installed in smart homes, offices, and government air quality programs.

Limited affordability and lack of integration with smart city initiatives.

Internet of Things Air Quality Monitors

Smart sensors that automate air purification based on pollution levels.

Used in smart homes, offices, and industrial zones.

Requires internet connectivity, limiting use in rural areas.

N95/N99 Masks: Respirators Filtering 95-99% of Airborne Particles

Protects individuals from fine particulate matter and airborne pollutants.

Widely used during high-pollution seasons and COVID-19.

Affordability and availability concerns in rural areas.

Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC)

Promotes energy-efficient building ventilation and IAQ standards.

Mandated for large commercial buildings; adoption growing in urban housing.

Poor enforcement and lack of compliance in smaller cities.

Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design / Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (LEED/GRIHA)

Green building certifications promote better air quality.

Increasing adoption in urban real estate and corporate offices.

High certification costs and limited incentives for compliance.

Indoor air pollution in India is a hidden crisis, silently harming millions. With no safe level of exposure, toxins like PM2.5 trigger deadly diseases, while reliance on polluting fuels and poor ventilation worsens the threat. Urgent action is non-negotiable—clean energy, strict policies, and public awareness must drive change. India must choose breathable air over a toxic future.

Reference: The Indian Express | PMF IAS: Air Pollution

PMF IAS Pathfinder for Mains – Question 76

Q. Despite growing concerns over outdoor air pollution, indoor air pollution remains a silent killer, especially in India. Identify the major causes of indoor air pollution and suggest technological and policy-driven solutions to mitigate its impact. (250 Words) (15 Marks)

Approach

Introduction: Briefly Introduce the answer by defining indoor air pollution and the severity associated.
Body: Discuss the major causes of indoor air pollution and technology and policy-driven solutions.
Conclusion: Conclude appropriately by highlighting the need of an integrated approach.