Unmasking inequality: Women at higher risk from air pollution

Image for representational purpose only. Image courtesy: iStock

Today, India's entire 1.3 billion population lives in areas where the annual average particulate pollution level exceeds the WHO air quality guidelines. About 63 percent of the population live in areas that exceed India's own national air quality standard of 40 µg/m3, informs Akanksha Rai, the program manager of environmental health at Vital Strategies.

It is also a major health concern in both urban and rural parts of India and kills more than 16 lakh people every year. Household air pollution alone causes at least 20-50 percent of ambient PM2.5 in India. The prevalent use of biomass for cooking and heating significantly contributes to household air pollution. This pollution poses significant health risks, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), respiratory infections, heightened rates of preterm births, heart attacks, strokes and various other health issues across all age groups. A 2020 study by the WHO's International Agency for Research on Cancer, IARC, concluded that, "there is strong evidence that household burning of biomass and kerosene fuels, especially using stoves without a chimney, increases the risk of developing several cancers of the digestive tract."

She further added that "women and children bear a disproportionate burden of household air pollution, facing increased risks from accidents related to cooking and lighting with open fires." Additionally, nearly half of all pneumonia deaths in children under five result from inhaling soot within their homes. Exposure to pollutants can also impair cognitive development, leading to developmental delays, behavioural issues and reduced IQ in children. Those dependent on unclean fuels not only face higher risks of noncommunicable diseases but also struggle with financial challenges, covering medical expenses, and lost work hours due to illness. According to the World Health Organisation, girls in households using unclean fuels spend 15 to 30 hours per week gathering wood or water, placing them at a disadvantage compared to households with access to clean fuels and their male counterparts.

Given these challenges, it is imperative to not only raise awareness among affected communities about the health risks associated with traditional cooking methods but also to encourage sustained adoption of clean cooking solutions. Such solutions must not only be environmentally sustainable but also economically feasible for low-income households."

Also Read: Witness the fusion of semi-classical and folk music at this performance in Bandra

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana program made unprecedented efforts by giving access to clean household energy to more than 100 million homes. However, for universal access it is essential to further expand the access of LPG to more beneficiaries and ensure sustained use of LPG by households that have access to it. As India advances towards universal household electrification, integrating electricity for cooking and heating will be key within the national policy framework for promoting clean cooking practices.

While progress has been made in mitigating air pollution, comprehensive action is needed at all levels. We need more emphasis on behaviour change and communicating the health consequences of air pollution, primarily due to its classification as an environmental issue rather than a health concern. Engaging the health sector is essential for implementing effective solutions, including raising awareness, integrating environmental perspectives into health programming, advocating for clean energy and facilitating inter-ministerial convergence to prioritize public health in air pollution policies.

The most impactful and enduring health gains stem from public health policies and preventative measures, including air quality monitoring and emission reduction at the source. Moreover, effective risk communication is essential for empowering individuals and communities to make informed decisions to mitigate their exposure to air pollution and safeguard their well-being.

The National Programme on Climate Change and Human Health (NPCCH), led by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is taking an important step in this direction by integrating climate action into routine health sector preparedness activities for strengthening overall health-systems resilience to address air pollution and other climate change impacts.

It is important to increase awareness of the direct impact of air pollution on individual and familial health, thereby fostering a sense of urgency and personal relevance. Integrating this messaging seamlessly into public health awareness campaigns can effectively engage communities and catalyse behavioural change. Emphasizing that not all natural resources are inherently safe, despite common perceptions, can challenge misconceptions and motivate households to adopt cleaner cooking solutions.

Health professionals working in the field, who engage with various communities daily, are uniquely positioned to understand and address the direct impacts of air pollution on public health. Sharing health information emphasising the effects of air pollution and advocating specific actions can help mitigate exposure and minimize health risks.

Coupled with policy measures at regional and national levels, significant progress can be made in improving air quality and safeguarding population health. Achieving cleaner air for all in India requires targeted interventions to address the root causes of pollution exposure at the population level, and a commitment to prioritizing the health of women and children through the involvement of health champions. This collective effort can create healthier, more resilient communities and ensure a safer and brighter future for all, added Rai.