Rising indoor air-pollution (IAP) and poor ventilation are major cause of worry for residents in the national Capital, leading to an increase in respiratory diseases, according to a study done by Ministry of Earth Sciences (MOES) and Department of Environment studies, Delhi University.
Dr Chirashree Ghosh, Associate Professor of DU’s department of Environment Studies said construction in Delhi and the NCR by developers and other agencies are growing rapidly.
“Indoor, be it home or office, is a hub of pollutants comprising of all pollutants. Particulate matter like bio-aerosols are generated within the buildings by activities like smoking, hair sprays, cleaning products, paints and air conditioning coolants etc. As a result, indoor air contains concentration of some components which is greater than the outdoor ambient air,” said Ghosh.
“Seventy per cent of our day time is spent indoor. It means that we are exposing ourselves more to indoor pollutants. So why are there no guidelines for indoor air pollutionIJ” she asked.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the watch dog supposed to monitor and issue guidelines, has come a cropper as it is yet to issue any guidelines to check indoor pollution. However, the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MOEF) issues certification to the buildings. “We issue environment clearance certificate to those buildings which are developed on 20,000 square meter area or above,” said a senior official, MoEF.
But this has not helped in addressing the burning issue with the growing unauthorised construction adding to deterioration in the situation. Indoor pollution is turning out to be a big threat.
“India has the largest burden of disease and 28 per cent of all deaths occur due to indoor air pollution. The construction, now a days, have a trend. Building area is more and green (plantation) area is negligible. Ventilation is poor in present buildings while floors are increasing in buildings,” said a scientist, MOES.
Abhinav Garg, member, Indoor Air Pollution (IAP) project said as people spend their much time indoor, the exposure to indoor pollutants is high. “The air conditioners now have replaced the ventilators and windows in buildings.
“The particulate matter and bio - aerosols present in indoors can cause Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) which can even lead to death,” said Garg.