Invisible Threat: How Indoor Air Pollution is Harming Women’s Health.

Indoor air pollution is a growing concern that affects the health of women and children in both rural and urban areas. Despite being invisible, indoor air pollution is a potent threat to our health and well-being, causing respiratory problems, neurological effects, and even cancer. Women and children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of indoor air pollution due to their biology, behaviour, and exposure patterns. 

The following are the most common air pollutants found indoors: 

Some of the most common health impacts include respiratory problems, reproductive health, cancer, and eye, nose, and throat irritation:

• Women and children can experience symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and an increased risk of asthma and other respiratory illnesses as a result of indoor air pollution.

• Exposure to certain indoor air pollutants, such as phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA), can affect the hormonal systems of women and children, leading to reproductive and developmental problems.

• Exposure to indoor air pollutants, such as radon and second-hand smoke, can increase the risk of cancer in women and children.

• Exposure to indoor air pollutants can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, leading to discomfort and distress.

It is important to minimize exposure to indoor air pollutants by improving indoor air quality through proper ventilation, controlling sources of pollution, and using air purifiers when necessary. Additionally, reducing exposure to outdoor air pollution can also help protect the health of women and children. Some of the Neurological effects are certain indoor air pollutants, such as lead, mercury, carbon, and fine particulate matter can lead to Neuronal cell damage, especially in foetuses and infants, can cause permanent brain damage, or lead to neurological disease in adulthood.

Here are some recent stories about the impact of indoor air pollution on rural women. One such story is about the widespread use of biomass fuels, such as wood and dung, for cooking and heating in rural areas, which results in high levels of indoor air pollution. Women in rural areas, who are often the primary cooks and caretakers in their households, are exposed to these pollutants on a daily basis. This exposure can lead to serious health problems, such as respiratory illness, eye and throat irritation, and reduced lung function.

Another story is about the use of traditional stoves in rural areas, which can emit dangerous levels of carbon monoxide and other toxic pollutants. Women and children who are exposed to these emissions are at increased risk of health problems, such as headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.

In addition to these stories, there have also been reports of women in rural areas facing increased exposure to indoor air pollution from the use of pesticides and other chemicals in agriculture. These chemicals can enter the home through contaminated clothing, food, and water, and can cause health problems ranging from skin irritation to reproductive and developmental problems.

These stories highlight the need for interventions to address indoor air pollution in rural areas, such as promoting the use of clean cooking and heating technologies, improving ventilation in homes, and reducing exposure to outdoor air pollution. By improving indoor air quality, we can help protect the health of rural women and their families.

Reference:

https://idronline.org/article/environment/photo-essay-the-impact-of-household-air-pollution-on-womens-health/

https://publichealth.jhu.edu/departments/environmental-health-and-engineering/research-and-practice/research-areas/air-pollution-and-cardiorespiratory-diseases

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0304389421010918