Indoor air quality and human health risk assessment in selected high-altitude villages of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

This research marks the inaugural endeavor in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) to identify the primary sources of household energy and indoor air pollutants (IAPs) during the winter and additionally, to evaluate the health impacts associated with IAPs within specific high-altitude communities in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. Using the convenience sampling method, 20 households were continuously monitored to assess IAPs based on standards time-weighted average. The study found that 90% of the population relied primarily on animal dung as their main energy source, with wood, agricultural residues, electricity, and gas as other sources. The average levels of PM_2.5 were five times greater, and CO levels were three times higher than the National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS). Among the samples examined, 65% of homes were found to have inadequate ventilation and did not comply with ASHRAE standards for living rooms. Households using animal dung and wood as fuel showed elevated PM_2.5 and CO levels. Health data indicated increased winter illness, with high rates of respiratory and cardiovascular issues such as morning cough (17%), eye irritation (15%), bronchitis (14%), wheezing (13%), chest tightness (12%), heart disease (11%), morning phlegm (10%), and shortness of breath (8%). The findings indicate that socioeconomic and geographic factors play a significant role in choosing solid fuels. Recommendations include raising awareness of stove maintenance and the harmful impacts of IAPs and proper ventilation, promoting cleaner fuels, and upgrading heating systems. The government should provide health screenings and subsidies for cleaner energy such as hydropower, LPG, and solar power, reducing reliance on dung and wood, and improving health in high-altitude communities.

Graphical Abstract