While we were recovering from the COVID variants like delta, delta plus a new mutated variant – Omicron has arrived and has lead to the threat of the third wave. Indoor air pollution can be a major risk factor for the rise in all sorts of respiratory illnesses – COVID infections, non-COVID viral infections like h1n1, measles, tuberculosis, bacterial pneumonia, elderly people, very young children less than five years old, comorbidities like diabetes, obesity, cancer, chemotherapy treatment, immunosuppressants, pregnancy, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases patients are all prone to get infections due to indoor air pollution. 

Indoor air quality is as important to human health as clean water and uncontaminated food. One-third of world’s population face high levels of indoor air pollution, women and children are at very high risk. Burning of biomass fuels indoors such as wood, dung, agricultural waste, coal, kerosene can lead to increased surgency of respiratory infections. Its more common in rural areas and low socioeconomic strata. Overcrowding and poorly ventilated rooms add to the burden of respiratory infections. 56 per cent of Indian household rely on solid fuel use according to a survey conducted by national family health services leading to 20 per cent increase in indoor pollution. Propensity of indoor air pollution can largely be reduced by following measures:

– Improve ventilation by keeping the rooms well ventilated by keeping the doors and windows open to allow cross ventilation of air.

– Strictly ban indoor smoking habits, indoor smoking is a great health hazard to both – the smoker and the passive smoker.

– Use of chimneys and exhaust fans in the kitchen to remove the fumes generated and reduction of indoor pollution.

– Avoid use of mosquito coils, incense sticks, scented candles and air fresheners-all of which are known to trigger allergies, asthma and respiratory infections.

–Avoid indoor fire places.

– Use of regularly serviced air conditioners helps in reducing indoor air pollution.

– In pet friendly houses wash the bedding of your pets, bathe the pets regularly to reduce allergen producing respiratory infections.

– Discourage guests entering your houses wearing shoes to help reduce indoor pollution, a door mat is very helpful.

– Minimal use of carpets is advised as carpets are known to attract dust mites, spores and allergens which triggers allergies and infections.

Lastly in the COVID era when we are still in the midst of the pandemic its better to avoid closed indoor gathering in small spaces where COVID appropriate behaviour like proper masking and social distancing is not followed as the virus is airborne and is spread by activities like exhaling, speaking, coughing, sneezing, singing, shouting.

Vaccinations against respiratory infections like COVID, influenza and pneumonias help prevent life threatening illness and help recover faster.

Following all protocols if one falls sick, please seek early advice from physician and get treated early to avoid complications from the disease.

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Originally Appeared Here