Indoor Particulate Matter Concentration  in Households of Darkhan City

Nyamdorj J; Bolor M; Maralmaa E; Yerkyebulan M; Ser-Od Kh; Myagmarchuluun S; Shatar Sh; Gantuya D; Gregory C Gray; Junfeng Zhang; Ulziimaa D; Damdindorj B; Khurelbaatar N; Davaalkham D

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Indoor Particulate Matter Concentration in Households of Darkhan City

VernacularTitle:Дархан хотын айл өрхийн доторх орчны тоосонцрын агууламжийг тодорхойлсон үр дүн
Author: Nyamdorj J ¹ ; Bolor M ² ; Maralmaa E ² ; Yerkyebulan M ³ ; Ser-Od Kh ³ ; Myagmarchuluun S ¹ ; Shatar Sh ³ ; Gantuya D ³ ; Gregory C. Gray ⁴ ; Junfeng Zhang ⁵ ; Ulziimaa D ⁶ ; Damdindorj B ⁶ ; Khurelbaatar N ⁶ ; Davaalkham D ^{2
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Author Information

1. Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, MNUMS
2. Mongolian Center for Environmental and Occupational Health
3. Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, MNUMS
4. University of Texas
5. Duke University
6. MNUMS
7. School of Public Health, MNUMS
Publication Type:Journal Article
Keywords: Particulate matter; Air pollution; Raw coal; Housing
From: Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;85(1):25-29
CountryMongolia
Language:Mongolian
Abstract: Background:A 2018 study on the global burden of disease, accidents, and risk factors reported that 1.6 million peo ple died in 2017 due to household air pollution. Poor indoor air quality has been highlighted as a contributing factor to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular conditions, and exacerbation of asthma and allergies. A 2019 study estimated that long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less reduces average life expectancy by 1.8 years, with more severe effects in highly polluted regions. Additionally, a study by Miller et al. (2007) found that prolonged exposure to PM2.5 increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, particularly among women. Direct measurement devices are highly effective in determining indoor PM2.5 concentrations, identifying sources of pollution, tracking pollutant dispersion, and monitoring temporal variations. Studies suggest that direct measurement is an accurate, cost-effective method that provides detailed data suitable for local conditions.
Aim:To investigate the indoor air quality of houses and apartments in Darkhan city during the winter season using the Purple Air monitoring device.
Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted with a targeted sample of 128 households in Darkhan city. The study examined factors such as stove type, type of coal used, annual and daily coal consumption, frequency of heating, and chimney sealing conditions. To collect data, the Purple Air monitoring device was installed in each house hold for a month, after which it was retrieved. During retrieval, participants completed a questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of 55 questions across 7 pages at the time of device installation and 25 questions across 3 pages at the time of device retrieval. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS 25.0.
Results:A total of 128 households in Darkhan city participated in the study. The average duration of residence in the current home was 9.5 years, with no statistically significant variation. The distribution of housing types was as follows: traditional Mongolian gers (40.6%), houses (39.1%), and apartments (20.3%). The 24-hour average PM2.5 concentration was highest in gers (70.9 μg/m³), followed by houses (46.8 μg/m³) and apartments (22.8 μg/m³), with a statistically significant difference (p=0.0001). PM2.5 levels were most variable in gers, followed by houses and then apartments. House holds using central heating (apartments) had an average 24-hour PM2.5 concentration of 22.8 μg/m³, whereas households using stoves (gers and houses) had a significantly higher concentration of 59.4 μg/m³ (p=0.0001). However, there was no statistically significant difference between traditional and improved stoves. Among study participants, 21.4% reported that someone in their household smoked indoors. Additionally, 86.5% regularly burned incense, candles, or herbs, while 99.2% did not use an air purifier.
Conclusion:The indoor particulate matter concentration in houses and gers in Darkhan was 59.4μг/m3. Variations in stove types, poor chimney sealing limited space, and frequent gaps and cracks contribute to increased spread of indoor air pollutants.
Full text:202505271313347841525-29.pdf