Environmental Advocacy Program
What is indoor air pollution?
Indoor air pollution is when the air surrounding building settings, both inside and outside, is detrimental to the health of living beings. It is hazardous compared to outdoor air pollution due to the confined space within a building, as opposed to the open space outside.
Some of the causes of indoor air pollution are related to the materials used in building construction, the practices followed within and around the building, and natural contaminants. Asbestos can be found in roofing panels, shingles, insulation materials, water supply lines, and cement pipes. Formaldehyde can be found in various products, including wood products, pressed fabrics, glues, paints, pesticides, cosmetics, and detergents. Radon gas can be found within the ground beneath homes and seep in through any cracks or openings in the house. Tobacco smoke can accumulate if smoking is done around or within the home. Biological pollutants, such as bacteria, mould, and animal waste, can enter the house from outside. Appliances such as stoves and heaters can release carbon monoxide and nitrogen monoxide.
Asbestos is a material that is harmful to health and has been banned for use as a building material in many countries. Formaldehyde can accumulate within a home if there is inadequate ventilation. Radon gas can leak into homes if the gas in the ground is not removed or reduced. Tobacco smoke will increase if continued smoking is done inside or around the house. Biological pollutants grow in environments with damp or humid areas. Appliances used without proper ventilation can release more harmful gases into the house.
What are other household pollutants?
Charcoal is often used for cooking and heating due to its widespread availability and relatively low price. Without proper ventilation, smoke from charcoal that remains trapped in the homes causes harm to the residents. Organic waste and poor sewage treatment are more biological pollutants that are often improperly left within and around the homes, releasing harmful gases into the air. Along with a lack of practical toilets, the accumulation of waste exacerbates the increase in indoor air pollution.
What does it affect?
The primary complication of indoor air pollution is its impact on human health, as areas inside and outside buildings become a very unsafe environment to live in. Both short-term and long-term illnesses can develop due to indoor air pollutants. Eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue are some of the milder health issues. Long-term illnesses include respiratory diseases such as asthma, allergies and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart conditions such as angina, arrhythmia, heart attacks, heart failure and hypertension, and cancer. Pneumonia, stroke, ischaemic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer can become fatal health risks.
The most affected are women and young children who spend more time in and around their homes. Older adults, people with existing heart conditions, and those with breathing/lung problems and illnesses are also at risk.
Different cooking, heating, and lighting instruments are powered using kerosene, biomass, coal, and charcoal. Collecting some of these materials can be time-consuming, especially for women and children. This takes away time that could be spent working or attending school. Individuals can become injured from gathering the fuel and can develop musculoskeletal damage. Safety can become a big issue as kerosene can be accidentally consumed, which often results in childhood poisoning. Severe burns can also occur. Many of the black carbon and methane released from these instruments can contribute to climate change pollutants.
What are some solutions?
Eco-friendly stoves are one way to reduce emissions of gases if alternative methods to burning wood or charcoal are applied. Solar power and other natural fuel sources, such as biomass, volcanic rock, and briquettes, can be utilised. These energy sources are sustainable because they last a long time and do not emit harmful gases that contribute to air pollution. Solar panels can be installed and hooked to the stove to supply energy. Solar energy is a significant potential power source, as the geographical location increases the amount of sunlight that can be captured. Volcanic rocks can be heated up and then used. These rocks can be reused for up to two years. Briquettes are made from dried, pruned branches that are then carbonised and combined with a natural binder. The briquettes produce low carbon emissions.
Heating is usually done with traditional fireplaces that require coal, charcoal, or wood. An electric fireplace is a more eco-friendly alternative that will not emit harmful pollutants. Smoke, which contains carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, two very harmful gases, will no longer be released. These fireplaces are more effective at heating the home, as chimneys and specialised vents aren’t needed. The heat cannot escape from the homes through those spots, which is usually the case with traditional fireplaces. LED bulbs drain less electricity than standard bulbs and last up to 50,000 hours. These fireplaces can be positioned in any room in the house and require little maintenance.
Proper ventilation and air circulation allow gas buildup to leave the home and prevent physiological pollutants from accumulating. Many household gases can be harmful as appliances require burning materials to release these gases. Some of the chemicals in the house, originating from the framework and structure of the building, also release gases that do not leave the home. Proper ventilation, utilising ducts and pipes, and placing items within the home in specific locations, reduces the accumulation of gases. Interior doors should be left open, and furniture should be kept away from outside walls. Humidity and dampness can also lessen as this limits the creation of a habitat for more biological pollutants to grow.
Composting organic waste is one way to prevent the release of harmful gases in your home. Dry composting toilets take human waste and turn it into compost. This eliminates the need for a sewage system, as the lack of proper systems has dramatically minimised appropriate sanitation methods and organic waste disposal. Organic waste, such as food scraps, can also be composted in green bins.
What will be impacted?
Shrinking and possibly eliminating indoor air pollution with these potential solutions means the risks will no longer exist. The health of the residents is severely impacted, and if the pollution were to decrease, the improvement in their health would allow them to live much more comfortably and longer. They can pursue further education and work to enhance their future.e
References:
https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/introduction-indoor-air-quality#:~:text=Indoor%20pollution%20sources%20that%20release,pollutants%20out%20of%20the%20area.
https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-indoor-air-pollution.php
https://www.afro.who.int/news/asbestos-use-continues-africa-despite-severe-health-warnings
https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/formaldehyde/home/index.html
https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/charcoal-africa-power-good-bad/
https://www.epa.gov/report-environment/indoor-air-quality#:~:text=Health%20effects%20associated%20with%20indoor,%2C%20heart%20disease%2C%20and%20cancer.
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/household-air-pollution-and-health
https://www.springwise.com/flatpack-solar-powered-biofuel-stove-africa-save-lives/
https://www.cnn.com/2015/01/30/africa/eco-stove-kampala-sustainable-cooking
https://www.dlapiper.com/en/uk/insights/publications/2019/11/africa-connected-issue-3/the-rise-of-alternative-energy-sources-in-africa/
https://www.africangreenrevolution.com/homes-in-african-are-adopting-energy-efficient-design-elements/
