An Investigative Study on Perceived Indoor Air Quality During COVID-19 Lockdown in India

Abstract

The air we breathe is a worldwide concern, especially in developing countries like India. Recently, the coronavirus pandemic resulted in restricted activities which showed noteworthy improvement in ambient air. As it hassled people to reach home, corporations began work from home schemes. Conforming to WHO, coronavirus is airborne as transmission cannot be disregarded in crowded and inadequately ventilated indoor spaces. A high-density population spending more time indoors raises questions on existing indoor requirements of accommodating a healthy long-duration inhabitation. Indoor time is also likely to extend with higher than before acceptance to online learning, entertainment, and shopping. Even though air pollution is mostly thought of as an outdoor concern, studies suggest that the air indoors can be contaminated as well, and sometimes even more than the air outside. India has shown growth in building-related illness, whereas lack of specific standards and limited research raises a concern. The countrywide lockdown to control the coronavirus situation in India has brought overwhelming improvement in the air quality due to restricted anthropogenic activities. This study is based on a pan India survey and ambient air quality data by the central pollution control board to understand the change in outdoor air pollution and indoor air quality perception before and during the lockdown in 205 cities categorized as per government guidelines. It also aims to understand the relationship between various parameters and perceived indoor air quality. Even though the COVID-19 pandemic has bought unprecedented health and economic crisis, the pandemic may act as a promoter for healthy and sustainable indoor environments.