Indoor Air Pollution: The Hidden Danger in Your Home, WHO Report Reveals

• Indoor air pollution, often overlooked, can be 2 to 5 times more harmful than outdoor pollution, according to the WHO.
• Causes include construction materials, furniture chemicals, cleaning agents, and solid fuels like wood, coal, and cow dung cakes.
• Over 50% of Indian homes, especially in rural areas, still rely on solid fuels, contributing significantly to indoor pollution.
• Women and children under five are most affected, with women's exposure to cooking smoke equivalent to smoking 2-3 packs of cigarettes daily.
• Proper ventilation, use of clean fuels (like under Ujjwala scheme), and careful material selection are crucial to mitigate risks.

Why It Matters: Indoor air pollution is a severe, often ignored health risk, demanding awareness and preventive measures.