Paper: GS – III, Subject: Environment and Ecology, Topic: Pollution, Issue: Indoor Air Quality (IAQ).
Context:
Researchers at BITS Pilani Hyderabad developed India’s first customized Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) scale to address indoor pollution, which can be 2-5 times worse than outdoor air due to trapped pollutants and poor ventilation.
Key Takeaways:
Key Features of the New IAQ Scale Developed by BITS Pilani:
- More comprehensive than commercial air purifiers Purifiers normally measure only PM levels and humidity.
- The proposed IAQ device measures all critical indoor pollutants required for accurate assessment.
- First India-specific indoor air scale other countries (US, UK, EU) have IAQ standards, but India does not.
- Scale is customised for India’s: Climate, Housing patterns, Dense urban living and Economic constraints.
The New IAQ Scale:
The data was refined and used to develop a learning model, resulting in a scale based on four weighted parameters:
- Pollution Concentration (59.5%): This is the most significant factor, reflecting the levels of various pollutants in the air.
- Exposure Time (25.9%): The duration of exposure to the pollutants is a crucial determinant of health risks.
- Ventilation Efficiency (9.8%): The effectiveness of ventilation in removing pollutants from the indoor environment.
- Enclosure Size (4.4%): The size of the indoor space affects the concentration of pollutants.
- The weighting reflects India’s dense urban living, housing sizes, and ventilation challenges. The scale ranges from 22 to 100, with 22 representing the most severe air quality and 100 representing the best.
Key Pollutants of Concern: The study identified several key pollutants of concern
- Benzene: Considered the most dangerous pollutant, benzene exposure is associated with adverse health effects and diseases such as cancer, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
- Exposure can occur through the use of benzene-containing petroleum products, including motor fuels and solvents.
- Carbon Monoxide: This poisonous gas is produced by many household items, including gas- and oil-burning furnaces and charcoal grills. It is also associated with machinery burning fossil fuels, such as cars.
- Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10): Fine particulate matter can rise above safe exposure limits during routine activities like cooking and cleaning.
Indoor Air Pollution: Key Findings and Mitigation
Indoor air pollution is a silent but severe health threat in India. Incorporating IAQ standards into building codes, smart city planning, and household practices will be essential for creating healthier indoor environments.
https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/poor-indoor-air-quality-10353425
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