Recently I've been a discussing series of Environmental issues which are of concern to our health and possible suggestions on how to control them. Today I'll be sharing an issue that is most ignored by so many us but a top concern in Environmental health, an issue known as "INDOOR AIR POLLUTION"
Air pollution generally is as a result of hazardous substances at a rate that exceeds the capacity of natural processes, either in the Atmosphere, open air or a confined space. The sources could be natural or anthropogenic (man-made).
It usually involves gases and particles that are dissolved or suspended in air respectively, these pollutants interact and produce meaningful effects. The severity may change with season depending on the time, with activity, daylight, precipitation (rain or snow), prevailing wind and so many relevant factors.
According to WHO, Around 3 billion people cook and heat their homes using solid fuels (i.e. wood, charcoal, coal, dung, crop wastes) on open fires or traditional stoves. Such inefficient cooking and heating practices produce high levels of household (indoor) air pollution which includes a range of health damaging pollutants such as fine particles and carbon monoxide. In poorly ventilated dwellings, smoke in and around the home can exceed acceptable levels for fine particles 100-fold. Exposure is particularly high among women and young children, who spend the most time near the domestic hearth.
Indoor air accounts for two thirds of the air pollution problems, these problems are worse in developing countries. Sources of indoor air pollution include Dust accumulation, cooking fuels, poor odour from insanitary conditions, moisture from damp clothes, poor ventilation, etc. Health Problems Associated with Indoor Air Pollution include; Respiratory infections, Dermatitis, Lung Cancer, Rhinitis, Sinusitis, low birth weight, Organic dust syndrome, Allergies etc.
CONTROL
Several ways of curbing this menace include; Control at source, Monitoring, Education and awareness, Proper Ventilation, Proper Hygiene and sanitation.
PREVENTION IS THE BEST CONTROL MEASURE!
Stay Safe!
And Keep Steeming...
Thank you.