Exploring Indoor Air Pollution in Chittagong's Slum Areas and Its Devastating Impacts on Women and Children's Health

Abstract

Indoor Air pollution is a recent concern in the slum areas in Chittagong. Only a little research has been done in Chittagong slums. There are many sources contributing to indoor air pollution in the slums, including cooking fuels, smoking, characteristics of the house, ventilation, and burning coils inside the rooms. By using laser egg the AQI, PM2.5 concentration, Humidity level was measured in every household. The study shows 51% households have high AQI (151-200) which is unhealthy. No households from our chosen slums area met WHO’s ideal range of PM2.5 concentration which is 0-35.4 μg/m3. 45.0% of total households fall into the range of 55.5-150.4 μg/m3, which is unhealthy. Around 95% households have higher humidity levels (60% to 91%) which causes significant health issues among children and women as they spend most of the time indoors. Around 52% of women and Children have health issues, and most of them are suffering from allergies, asthma and hypertension. However, only around 4.5% of people are aware about indoor air pollution, but they are not taking any steps to mitigate this problem. Based on the study few recommendations can be suggested, such as- Ensure Clean Energy to all, increasing vegetation both indoor and outdoor, avoiding tobacco smoking, maintaining waste management and sanitation. Hence there is a need for public intervention and policy implications to improve indoor air quality in those slums.