EXPERTS at a workshop on Monday identified indoor air pollution as a major cause of death of people in Bangladesh. According to them, roughly four percent of the diseases are attributable to it. Women and children who usually stay longer inside the houses are most exposed to polluted air. About two-thirds of the deaths are under-five children who suffer from pneumonia and acute respiratory infections. In adults, particularly women, the exposure is associated with TB, asthma, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer. According to a study, indoor air pollutants infect almost 88 percent of the people.
It is estimated that 92 percent of households in the country use crop residue, wood or cowdung for cooking. The indoor burning of these substances contributes to morbidity and mortality. There are also some other pollution sources. Carbon monoxide and polycyclic organic matter, formaldehyde and other toxic substances gradually accumulate inside the houses for lack of proper ventilation. The concentration of harmful particles in the kitchen air in Bangladesh is reportedly 10-15 percent higher than at outdoors. While outdoor concentration is about three times the WHO standard in urban areas, it is 30-35 times indoors. Air pollution is the highest in slum houses.
Indoor air pollution is a serious problem and poses threats to public health. It needs to be addressed seriously and given due importance in the national health policy. Most of the people do not seem to have knowledge about indoor pollution, its causes and remedies. People with clear ideas can effectively fight the problem. People must be made aware of the importance of ventilation. Awareness raising campaigns followed by actions has become most important for fighting indoor pollution.
