Gurgaon: A study conducted by a private hospital and an NGO has painted an alarming picture of the quality of air we breathe indoors in Gurgaon. According to it, of the 100 offices and houses surveyed, 76% were found to have unhealthy indoor air quality with PM2.5 concentration over 250 microns per cubic metre (m³). The study also found 31% of the population - who spend time indoors at offices and homes - had one or the other air-borne diseases, while 47% have symptoms of respiratory diseases.
According to doctors involved in the study, manufacturing offices in UdyogVihar were the most polluted, with PM2.5 levels of over 300m³. IT offices were comparatively less polluted, with PM2.5 level of about 200m³.
Houses in the old city are more unhealthy, with PM2.5 level between 250m³ and 300m³. Even houses in Sushant Lok and DLF townships have PM2.5 level over 200m³. At PM2.5 level of 100m³, houses with the cleanest air were found in Sector 50 and 51. As per WHO standards, PM2.5 level should not exceed 60m³. Concentration of PM 2.5 below 60m³ is considered good, 60-100m³ satisfactory, 101-250m³ polluted, 251-300m³ unhealthy, and above 300m³ hazardous.
"With people spending most of their time indoors, indoor pollution is becoming a major cause of respiratory diseases in Gurgaon residents. We found 32% people in places with 'unhealthy' indoor air had symptoms of respiratory diseases. The figure was 59% for people in 'hazardous' places," said Dr Himanshu Garg, senior pulmonologist, Artemis Hospital, one of the survey partners.
He added studies by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), International Agency for Research on Cancer and WHO show indoor air quality is more dangerous than outdoor air pollution. "Since we spend more time indoors, the risk is more. Women and children are most vulnerable," said Dr Garg.
Doctors held bad ventilation, lack of maintenance of ACs, construction work and use of chemicals, incense sticks, etc. responsible for the menace. "In Gurgaon, the situation is worse because of construction work. Houses and offices close to construction sites have high indoor pollution," said Dr Pratibha, another pulmonologist.
As remedy, experts said people should monitor air quality and keep indoor plants. "People should regularly monitor air quality at home, ensure there are 2-3 airways in each room, and check air flow of ACs. Indoor plants, such as ferns, palms, peace lilies, golden pothos, snake plant and bamboo bring down indoor air pollution," said Surekha Singh, a city-based architect.
Vijay Kannan of survey partner NGO Clean Air India Movement, said, "The idea was to engage, educate and encourage people to adopt air friendly measures in the interest of their own health, and take measures to bring down indoor air pollution."
The study was conducted in 90 houses and 10 offices with over 150 employees each. Spirometry and symptom scoring was used for individuals, along with pollution level checks at each location.
