The Harza coefficient is used in environmental health to assess:
- A Air pollution index in urban areas
- B Efficiency of wastewater treatment plants
- C Adequacy of housing — relating air space per person to a standard ✓
- D Radiation exposure from building materials
Correct answer: C. Adequacy of housing — relating air space per person to a standard
Explanation
The Harza coefficient (Harza number) is used to assess housing adequacy in terms of air space (cubic air per person). It is calculated as: actual air space per person / standard air space per person (typically 1000 cubic feet or 28 cubic metres). A Harza coefficient ≥ 1 indicates adequate housing; < 1 indicates overcrowding. Housing standards in India recommend a minimum air space of 14 m³ per person for sleeping rooms. Overcrowding (low Harza coefficient) facilitates transmission of airborne infections such as TB and measles.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
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