VietNamNet Bridge – “Most people can’t imagine what it’s like to live in a smoky hut,” said Eva Rehfuess, of the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Partnership for Clean Indoor Air, “it’s ten times worse than the most polluted cities.”

Mold, dust mites and fumes from domestic chemicals can also cause a number of health problems.

“Mold growing in your home can release mold spores, toxins and bad odours,” says Do Hoang Oanh of the HCM City Department of Natural Resources and Environment, “harmful chemicals can be released from synthetic fabrics, furnishings and household products.”

At the office

Nguyen Thanh Huong, an office worker, complained that she sometimes gets headaches, irritated eyes and has trouble concentrating at work. She would never attribute these symptoms to the electric lighting in the office, but according to the HCM City Department of Natural Resources and Environment, strong light can make people tired and increase anxiety.

Air-conditioners, which run all day but are seldom cleaned, are also a significant source of air pollution.

“Air-conditioners should be cleaned often,” Oanh suggests. “Periodically, they should be turned off for cleaning and filtering dust and windows should be opened to let in fresh air.”

When people are exposed to pollutants over a long period of time they may begin to experience allergies, tiredness and serious diseases like lung cancer, asthma and dermatitis, Oanh warns.

(Source: Viet Nam News)