An analytical study on perceived experiences of homemakers associated to the causes of indoor pollution

Abstract

Right to live in a healthy environment is a fundamental human right. It is the basic requirement of all the living beings; including humans, livestock, plant, micro-organisms and the wildlife. In the society man constantly interacts with his environment which affects him both physiologically and psychologically. Study was conducted on the perceived experiences of rural and urban homemakers associated to the different causes of indoor pollution. Most frequently encountered experiences revealed by the respondents were: garbage burning, smoking, paddy burning in fields, high indoor humidity, abundance of dust etc. under the environmental causes. Similarly most frequently perceived experiences of indoor pollution due to chemical causes were: leaking of cooking gas, perfumes, mosquito, insects repellent with mean score = 2.53, room deodorizers, cosmetics, hair spray and insecticides/pesticides. Most frequently experiences under the category of constructional faults and household articles causing indoor pollution were: dust beneath carpet, uncovered dustbins, clogged drain pipes, dusting of rugs/carpet/bedding/sofa, damp and soiled bedding, cooking fumes, wall dampness, damp carpets, roof leakage, leaking pipes and worn off mattress. Maximum mean score was for dust beneath the carpet with mean score 2.50 and the least mean score was for worn of mattresses with mean score 1.77. Perceived experienced due to miscellaneous causes leading to indoor pollution as reported by respondents were: pet waste, cockroaches, lizards, insects, animal dander, stagnated water, fungus, black moulds and spider’s webs.