Analysis of indoor PM2.5 concentration in households of Ulaanbaatar city

Abstract

Background: The Mongolian government has banned the use of raw coal, and the use of improved fuels requires a study of the level of indoor particulate matter in each type of dwelling and compares it with air quality standards. Aim: Our main goal is to characterize dust particle pollution at indoor level and compare the results based on types of houses types. Materials and Methods: Bayanzurkh, Sukhbaatar, Khan-Uul, Songino-Khairkhan representing Ulaanbaatar city, measured the indoor particle matters, air temperature and relative humidity in the selected households. Results: The 24-hour average concentration of PM2.5 in the indoor environment was 103.6 μg/m3 as a result of direct PM2.5. In addition, the types of housing and heating, as well as the volume of housing, were statistically significant in assessing the impact factors. In terms of fuel types, howeverthe mean numerical differences differed, but did not have a statistically significant effect. Real-time measuring to the results of the direct measurement, the fluctuations of PM2.5 were high in the house and the ger due to the fire. The study of residential air temperature by type of heating showed the highest (22.40C) in a ger with an improved stove and the lowest (190C) in a house with an improved stove, and there were statistically significant differences. The average relative humidity was 22.3% in gers and 29.4% in apartments, and there were significant differences by type of housing. In terms of the type of ger and apartment heating, the difference was the lowest in traditional gers, and the highest in households with electric andboiler heating, and a statistically significant difference was observed. Conclusion: The average 24-hour concentration of PM2.5 in the indoor environment of Ulaanbaatar is higher than the standard MNS4585: 2016, and the indoor air temperature and relative humidity are also insufÏcient.