Indoor Air Pollution: A Hidden Health Crisis in India

Indoor Air Pollution in India: A Growing Concern

Indoor air pollution has emerged as a significant health risk in India, surpassing even outdoor pollution in its impact. According to experts speaking at the India Clean Air Summit (ICAS) 2024, household emissions, particularly in rural areas, contribute significantly to this problem, often making indoor air more hazardous than the outdoor environment.

Key Findings

• Women at Higher Risk: Studies have shown that women, who spend more time indoors, are exposed to higher levels of black carbon, leading to health issues such as high blood pressure. In some cases, their exposure is comparable to that of auto-rickshaw passengers in heavily polluted cities like Delhi.
• Household Emissions Predominate: Household emissions account for 20-40% of state emissions, making them a major contributor to indoor air pollution. Surprisingly, rural areas that depend more on biomass for cooking tend to have worse indoor pollution than urban areas.

Economic and Health Impacts

Air pollution, both indoor and outdoor, is not just a public health issue but also has significant economic implications. The World Bank estimates that air pollution caused a global economic loss of approximately USD 8.1 trillion in 2019, accounting for 6.1% of the global GDP. The economic benefits of investing in clean air are substantial, with cleaner air contributing to better health, improved agricultural productivity, and economic growth.

Government Initiatives and Challenges

The Indian government has launched several initiatives to combat air pollution, including the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), which has provided LPG connections to over 100 million households. However, the challenge remains as many beneficiaries have not continued using LPG, reverting to traditional biomass fuels. Experts suggest that sustained financial support for clean cooking fuels could prevent households from switching back to biomass.

The Need for Expanded Focus

Experts at the summit called for an expansion of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) to include not just non-attainment cities but also rural areas where indoor air pollution is a severe issue. Addressing this problem requires a multi-faceted approach, including improving access to clean cooking solutions, enhancing public awareness, and integrating indoor air quality into broader public health initiatives.

Indoor air pollution remains a silent yet deadly threat in India, and addressing it is crucial for the health and well-being of millions of people, particularly women and children.