Seasonal variations in indoor air quality of urban and rural Asian households

Burning of fuel for cooking and heating purposes causes smoke and other pollutants within households, resulting in direct human exposure. The present study focuses on assessment of seasonal variations in indoor air quality, including temperature, humidity, light, CO, SO2, PM10 and airborne bacteria. Gaseous emissions were analysed using digital metres and bacterial analysis was done by Gram staining method. Health data were gathered through questionnaires. Humidity, light intensity and concentration of CO, SO2 and PM10 were observed to be comparatively higher (P < 0.05) during winter and bacterial colonies were found to be comparatively higher (P < 0.05) in rural areas. About 80% of airborne bacteria in both urban and rural areas were Gram-positive. The indoor air quality of rural households was more polluted than urban households, and pollution was more in winter compared to summer due to inefficient cooking techniques and burning of biomass fuel.