Air-borne concentrations of Pm(10) and Pm(total) in residential micro-environments of Asthmatics
Air-borne concentrations of Pm(10) and Pm(total) in residential micro-environments of Asthmatics
SYED SHAHID IMRAN BUKHARI*, ZULFIQAR ALI & RIDA AHMAD
ABSTRACT
Developing countries are facing major health concerns due to
deteriorating air quality. In the ambient air, particulate matter (PM) is
attributed as major source of health concerns in children as well as adults
but comparatively less information is available about sources and health
impacts of indoor PM. The current study was designed to monitor microenvironments
of asthmatic residential houses (n=50) in Lahore, Pakistan.
PM10 and PM (Total) was monitored in the living rooms and immediate
outdoor of residential household of each selected site using DustTrak
aerosol monitor (model 8533, TSI Inc.). Results of this study indicated
poor air quality in the residential indoor environments of asthmatics. The
24-h average values of PM10 exceeded 13 times the WHO limits (50
μg/m3 24-hours mean value for PM10). It was noticed that many
anthropogenic activities like cleaning, cooking, movement of people and
smoking were the principal indoor sources of particulate pollution and
observed to have a significant impact on PM levels. The study is
significant for being the first of its kind, as previously no data is available
focusing on PM10 and PM(Total) levels in the urban houses of asthmatics in
Pakistan. Even though there is no practical implication to reduce or
remove the load of pollutants present in the air but it is recommended to
conduct detailed studies to monitor indoor air quality to understand the
relationship of environmental conditions and household activities leading
to health problems.
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June 2020
Vol.66, Iss. 1, Pages 1-126
