1.Research result of driver behavior when driving, Ulaanbaatar, 2010
Suvd B ; Dolgorkhand A ; Shurenchimeg B ; Ariunbolor O
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2013;163(1):164-172
IntroductionEvery day over the 16000 of people, every year 5 million people pass away due to accident and injury and 500 million people become invalid in the worldwide. It is 9.8% of total death caused by disease, 12.3% of total morbidity. As a result of Mongolian statistical yearbook 1997-2010, “Accident, injury” was at third place of cause of death and at fifth place of morbidity.GoalTo detect risk behaviors which influence on distracting attention of driver and to establish recommendation to change risk behavior during driving.Materials and MethodsThe research will be conducted by quantitative method (questionnaire) and qualitative method (observation and interview). There is 106.848 of cars in Ulaanbaatar and about 10% (n=300) of these is public transportation. 50 of drivers participated at separate interview to detect risk behavior during driving. Research team observed 25 public transportation for 3 hours to reveal driver risk behavior. The data was collected from central 6 districts in Ulaanbaatar.Results:The research involved 290 of drivers from central 6 districts, going to 8 itineraries in Ulaanbaatar. Participants are age of 19-64 and average was 37.4±8.3 age. Age of 30-39 was 44.1 % (128). 92.1% (267) of 290 drivers was drivers of bus, microbus. Most (36.3%, 61) of 168 (57.9%) who not wear seat belt said that not accomplished to use seat belt, 34.3% (56) said that it disturbs to drive a car. 91.7 of drivers said that they are calling during driving. Other 8.3% who are not calling during driving don’t use phone. 99.3% of total drivers listens FM radio, 97.9% talks with someone who sitting near in the car, 95.5% see advertisement near the way which influencing to go down attention of driver. 93.1% of participants answered that don’t drink alcohol during driving. Do you drive a car if there is necessary to drive when using alcohol?-60.0% of them absolutely don’t drive, 34.1 said that a car is driven by another person. 95.5% of participants said that there is no special seat for children in a car. But 46.2% of them has good habit to sit children in back side of a car. But 27.6% said that have habit to sit in front side of a car, 25.9%- anywhere. As a result of research we observed driver common views of public transportation such as sudden forcefully braking, calling, smoking, sitting with anyone in driver cabin, quarrelling with other drives.Conclusion:Drivers demonstrate following behaviors which may leading to traffic accident, involved or not involved in the traffic rule: Most of driver of public transportation bus don’t wear seat belt; Don’t require to wear seat belt from passenger sitting in the back side of car, no seat belt, and cover hasp of seat belt by covering; They have habit to drive a car when using alcohol; Call for long period, quarrel with calling person with loudly, be no normally; Incomplete machine leads to worry for driving period; Don’t convert light at night;
2.The Study of Respiratory System Disease Morbidity and Mortality of Ulaanbaatar City Population
Suvd B ; Enkhjargal A ; Oyunerdene O ; Narantungalag G ; Saijaa N
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2010;151(1):16-20
This survey had conducted for determining respiratory system disease and mortality trend of Ulaanbaatar city population and for developing evidence based recommendations. In accordance with the methodology we had done meta-analysis and statistical analysis on data 2004-2008. For the data analysis we used SPSS and parametric and non-parametric tests were used for determining disease changes and differences of seasonal, age and gender. In recent 5 years, in Ulaanbaatar, respiratory system disease cases are continuously leading 5 leading causes of disease. In 2008, respiratory system disease cases were 865.0 per 10000 populations and it is compare to 2004 increased by 10-30 percent. Children and women are more tend to attend to hospitals due to diseases cases. The survey also revealed that incidence of pneumonia (116.7-145.8 per 10000 populations) was the most visited case from other ICD10 causes of diseases.The mean age of mortality of respiratory system disease was 36.6±31.8 and the oldest age was 101 and the youngest was under 1 year old during 2004-2008 in Ulaanbaatar. During spring season, acute respiratory system disease, chronic bronchitis pneumonia and others respiratory system disease cases were more admitted from the respiratory system disease. Whereas, during autumn season, emphysema, during winter season bronchitis were the leading causes of respiratory system disease admission (x2=33.779, p=0.013).CONCLUSION: The statistics, 2004-2008 in Ulaanbaatar, were showing respiratory system disease trend constantly and continuously increasing. Age, gender and seasonal characteristics were signifi cantly correlated with the respiratory system disease. During these 5 years, 932 deaths were recorded and mean age of dying was 36.6±31.8.
3.Study of knowledge, attitude and practice (kap) of population on climate change, Mongolia, 2010-2012
Suvd B ; Oyun-Erdene O ; Otgonbayar D ; Narantungalag G ; Tsolmonbayar G ; Enkhtuya P ; Burmaajav B
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2012;162(4):54-61
BackgroundClimate change, as defined by the United Nations Convention on Climate Change, is a “Change of climate which is attributed directly or indirectly to human activity that alters the composition of the global atmosphere and is observed over time”. In 2001 an Initial Communication on Climate Change was prepared by the Government as part of its obligations under the UNFCCC. One of its recommendations was for “creating public awareness among a wide range of stakeholders including public, private and community sector organizations”. GoalThe main goal of the study was to develop recommendations and measures on prevention from diseases and adaptation to climate change by assessing knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of population towards climate change. Based on the main goal the following objectives were setup. Therefore addressing the different levels of knowledge and types of attitudes and practices people have towards climate change must initially be dealt with at the local level where site specific variations can be accounted for. Once research has been undertaken at the local level it can later inform decisions and policy at the regional, continental and global levels on how to incorporate site specific variations with in the greater context of the global threat.Objectives:1. To determine knowledge and attitude of population towards climate change;2. To determine practice of population on some adverse consequences of climate change;3. To develop recommendations and measures on prevention from and adaptation to climate change;Materials and MethodsThe study was at once carried out by means of questionnaire. In order to assess KAP of population, the data was collected using a card with 38 questions in three chapters which previously produced and ratified. The questionnaire was structured into 4 sections; demographics, knowledge, attitudes and practices. Two sums in an aimag from each climate zone of Mongolia were selected. In total, 2258 respondents aged 15 to 64 were involved from eight sums in four aimags (Zavkhan, Selenge, Dornod and Umnugovi), and two districts in Ulaanbaatar. The study data was input to computer using EPIDATA-3.6 software and statistically analyzed using SPSS-18.0 software.ResultsA total of 2258 individuals were interviewed. 44.1% 44.1% (995) of the participants was residents of Ulaanbaatar city and remained percentages accounted for residents living in the center of aimags and soums. 56.7% (1281) of participants were women and 43.3% (977) were men aged with 35.2±15.1 in average. Most of the study participants had educated with medium level (34.8%) and high level (30.0%). Employment percentage is 47.5% (1073). However, most respondents interpreted the meaning of climate change as “a change in weather,” “a change in normal climate conditions,” or “a change in temperature” – answers that requires more common sense than climate change savvy. Global warming is one of the evident of climate change. To know study participants awareness about climate change we used terminology of global warming. 25.3% (571) of the total participants answered that climate change revealed by the overheating or warming earth surface. 42.4% of the respondents answered the climate change could affect to health, 33.2% to environment and 16.3% to economy. 84.5% (1908) of the study participants agreed with that climate change has been started. Most of them (71.3%, 1824) allowed that people’s improper use of nature tend to global warming. When ranging the protection practices during the strong storm means of timbering the houses or gers accounted for 42.5% (960). Study participants supported the following activities; 41.2% (931) agreed that is it necessary to increase health services and 34.1% (769) suggested that it is better to enhance training and propagation for increasing awareness of population about climate change adaptation procedures and some information on climate changes and protection events. 85.2% (1923) of the study participants answered that they want to get the information on climate change from public TV.ConclusionsAlthough knowledge on global warming as the climate change was poor among the respondents, they agreed the climate change has already been started worldwide as well as in Mongolia. Only half of the respondents have had practice to prevent themselves from natural disaster.
4.Assessment of secondary school indoor air quality
Suvd B ; Erdenetsetseg D ; Oyun-Erdene O ; Zul A ; Buuveidulam A ; Bilguun D ; Chinzorig B ; Suvd S ; Bayarbold D ; Burmaajav B
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2022;200(2):24-32
Introduction:
During this pandemic, overcrowding in classroom caused by a lack of educational facilities and poor indoor air quality are the main causes of respiratory diseases among children and adolescents. Therefore, it is essential to measure and assess the indoor air quality where children spend extended periods of time such as school.
Materials and methods:
This study covered four schools with old buildings and four schools with new buildings in Bayanzurkh, Sukhbaatar, Khan-Uul, Chingeltei district of Ulaanbaatar. We collected PM10 and PM2.5, carbon dioxide, air temperature, humidity, and microbiological count from chosen classrooms and compared to the MNS4585:2016 standard. SPSS-24 was used to do statistical analysis on the information gathered during the evaluation.
Results and Discussion:
The 24-hour average PM2.5 concentration was 64.3 (95% CI: 64.1-64.5) mcg/m3, which was 4.3 times higher than the WHO guideline value and 1.3 times higher than the MNS4585:2016 standard. The 24-hour average PM10 concentration was 85.3 (95 % CI: 85.1-85.6) mcg/m3, which is 1.9 times higher than WHO guideline value. In older school buildings, the 24-hour average PM2.5 concentration was 5.6 times higher than the WHO guideline value and 1.7 times higher than the MNS4585:2016; the average PM10 concentration was 2.8 times higher than the WHO guideline value and 1.3 times higher than the MNS4585:2016. The air temperature and carbon dioxide concentration in classroom was met the MNS4585: 2016. The average relative humidity of all schools is 24.2±6.5%, which is 14-16% lower than the MNS4585: 2016.
Conclusion
The indoor air quality of the school in new and old buildings was similar poor, therefore a variety of steps are needed to improve it.
5.Carbon monoxide poisoning, 2016-2020, Mongolia
Oyun-Erdene O ; Suvd B ; Buuveidulam A ; Narantuya Kh ; Bataa Ch ; Burmaajav B
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2021;196(2):46-54
Rationale:
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas produced by carbon-containing substances, most
commonly incomplete fuel and biomass combustion. Carbon monoxide deprives the human body
of oxygen, leads to severe poisoning and death. In 2017, there were 137 new cases of carbon
monoxide poisoning per 1,000,000 people worldwide, and 4.6 deaths per 1,000,000. The global
incidence of carbon monoxide poisoning has remained steady over the previous 25 years, while
mortality has decreased by 36-40%. Every year in Mongolia, 700-840 persons are hospitalized for
carbon monoxide poisoning. Also, there has been a lack of study into the prevalence and causes of
carbon monoxide poisoning and death.
Goal:
Study the dynamics of morbidity and mortality cases caused by carbon monoxide poisoning in
Mongolia.
Objectives:
To analyze the carbon monoxide poisoning morbidity recorded in Mongolia between 2016-2020.
To analyze the carbon monoxide poisoning mortality reported in Mongolia between 2016-2020.
Material and Methods:
The survey was conducted utilizing data from outpatient and inpatient poisoning and deaths reported
in 2016-2020 with the goal of studying carbon monoxide poisoning and mortality in Mongolia.
Workplace exposure poisoning was excluded from quantitative data on carbon monoxide poisoning
(fires, suicidal, accidental and domestic explosions, accidents, external effects).The statistics analysis
was performed using 23 versions of the SPSS program, to estimate a distribution of new cases
and fatalities per 10,000 population depended on age, sex, average number of hospital days, and
standard error. ArcGIS version 10.8 was used to map the locations.
Results:
Acute carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide poisoning was 0.01-0.31 cases per 10,000
population during 2016 and 2018. Between 2019 and 2020, it increased to 1.5-1.9 cases per 10,000
population, with up to 37% of those admitted to hospitals. In the last five years, carbon monoxiderelated deaths have been reported in 0.1-0.3 cases per 10,000 population. The amount of hours firing
of the households increases every year in September, when the colder season begins. Incidences
of death and intentional poisoning were reported in Arkhangai, Uvurkhangai, Khuvsgulaimags, and
Ulaanbaatar. The average age of poisoning patients admitted to the hospital was 33 ± 19.5 years old
(minimum 2 months, maximum 81). In terms of gender, women registered for 58.4 (734) percent of
all cases. The average number of days spent in the hospital was 3.4± 3.7 days.
Carbon monoxide poisoning-related mortality. During the previous five years (2016-2020), 353 people
died in Mongolia as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning, although 1.4 percent, or five people, died
in hospitals, one case in Bayan-Ulgii, Zavkhan, and Uvs aimags, and two cases in Ulaanbaatar.
However, 98.6 percent of them died prematurely at home or in poisoned places due to a lack of
access to health care. The average age of carbon monoxide poisoning deaths cases was 35 ± 19.9
years old, and 71.7 (253) percent were male. The Ulaanbaatar, Selenge, Uvs, and Dornod aimags
had the lowest death rate of 0.08-0.21 per 10,000 population, while Khuvsgul and Arkhangai aimags
had the highest death rate of 0.96-1.57 per 10,000 population.
Conclusions
Carbon monoxide poisoning among the population rises during the winter season, however, in the
previous five years, 96.5 percent of cases have been poisoned accidentally, particularly 82.6 (1035)
percent of cases reported in Ulaanbaatar. According to socioeconomic factors, 41.6 (529) of the
cases were male, with an average age of 36.5±15.4 years.
During the preceding five years, carbon monoxide-related mortality in Mongolia was between 0.2 per
10,000 people. Without medical attention, 99.2% of cases died at the exposed location or area. The
death rate in Khuvsgul aimags was low, whereas it was high in Ulaanbaatar city. The average age of
premature deaths was 35±19.9 years, and 71.7 (253) percent were male.
6.The result of disinfection of pit latrine with “Gipon” ionized disinfectant solution
Suvd B ; Otgonbayar D ; Budkhand O ; Tuguldur B ; Chinzorig B ; Ichinkhorloo B
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2021;196(2):55-62
Introduction:
Sanitation facility supply and service availability of Mongolia is essential due to the slow process of
bacterial decomposition which is getting significant difficulties because of the cold and arid climate.
Only 37 percent of Ulaanbaatar’s population is connected to the central sewerage system, and the
majority of ger area residents, or 95 percent, use pit latrines in demand of sanitation facility. Numerous
studies have shown that the main contaminant of the soil in ger area were pit latrines. It not only pollutes
the environment but also affects human health. There is a lack of awareness about the transmission
of infectious diseases and options of new sanitation facilities and poor knowledge and bad conditions
to introduce new drainage systems. Most pit latrines in ger areas are of poor quality and do not meet
relevant standards.
Goal:
To determine the effect of ”Gipon” ionized disinfectant solution produced by Japanese technology for
disinfecting pit latrines
Material and Methods:
This study was conducted in December 2019 using a random sampling method. Five households in ger
areas were selected and pit latrines were disinfected by ”Gipon” ionized disinfectant solution.
Results:
The survey covered pit latrines of 5 households in the 21st khoroo of Bayanzurkh district. All owners
allowed to participate in the survey. The pit latrines are located approximately 9.8 meters away from the households participated in survey. They have been utilized it for 7.6 years and used by an average of 6 people per day. For inner cover, 60.0 percent are lined with wood, and 40.0 percent are cleaned once a month. Before the use of the disinfectant solution, having taken the swab from door handles, floors and walls of the toilet and were detected Enterobacter spp, E.Coli, and Pseudomonas spp in all samples.
However, after one and 24 hours of spreading of the disinfectant solution, the amount of intestinal
coliform bacteria and E. coli was reduced dramatically and in some places no bacterial were detected.
72% of the soil near the latrines in the study covered ger areas was contaminated with bacteria. In
terms of E.Coli contamination in soil, 60% of them were contaminated in low degree and 32% were
medium and 8% were high degree. Anaerobic microorganisms such as Cl.prefrings were accounted for 82% of the total sample, 19% moderate and 81% low contamination.
Conclusion
Intestinal coliform bacteria (Enterobacter spp, E.Coli, Pseudomonas spp) and pathogenic bacteria
(Serratia spp, Staphylacoccus spp) were not detected and the number of fungi was sharply reduced
after 1 and 24 hours using Hypon disinfectant. No intestinal pathogens (Salmonella spp, Citrobacter
freundii) were found in the soil near the latrine. The amount of coli titers was reached to the acceptable
limits. According to this study, the disinfection activity of “Gipon” solution was ranging from 105 to 104.
7.The result of measured household indoor air quality, Ulaanbaatar, 2020
Oyun-Erdene O ; Tsegmed S ; Buuveidulam A ; Bolor B ; Bataa Ch ; Narantuya D ; Suvd B
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2020;194(4):74-83
Introduction:
Beginning 15 May 2019, the consumption of raw coal in Ulaanbaatar has been replaced by the
consumption of briquette fuel for the improvement of air quality according to Governmental Resolution
No.62 adopted in 2018. Since after this resolution has been in placed the number of CO poisoning
has been increased as of 18 December 2019, nine persons were died and 1394 people get a health
care service due to CO poisoning. However, it has been not been assessed briquette affect to the
indoor air quality and its health impact. Thus, it is need urge to define the indoor air quality effect of
briquette and its heath impact.
Goal:
To assess the indoor air quality of the household using the “improved briquette” and identify the
causes of the risk.
Material and Method:
This a cross-sectional survey, conducted from January 31, 2020 to April 31, 2020, data were obtained
by quantitative, qualitative (observation, interview) and direct indoor air quality measurement. The
survey sampling frame was 40 households in central 6 districts of Ulaanbaatar that used improved
fuels (20 households with a history of carbon monoxide poisoning and 20 households that were not
affected), and 14 households in the Nalaikh district that used raw coal, in total of 54 households were
participated. Indoor air quality was measured by PM2.5, PM10, CO, SO2, NO2, and microclimate per
household for 24 hours during a week.
The statistical data analysis was done by the SPSS-23 program and preformed required parametric
and non-parametric tests. The normality of the data was checked by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test.
The most of data was not normally distributed. So, thus we used median and used relevant non-parametric tests. The average level of microclimate indicators, and air quality indicators were defined
as mean, median and its IQR and standard deviation. The 95% confidence intervals of mean and
frequencies were determined and used to differentiate group differences.
The Ethical permission to start the survey was approved by the 2nd meeting of the Ministry of Health
on February 4, 2020. The committee was reviewed and approved the research methodology based on
whether data collection technique and tools are considered the ethical issues, and whether provided
accurate information for make decisions to enroll to the survey for respondents.
Results:
According to the health statistic, from October 2, 2019 to March 31, 2020, a total of 2,768 people from 837 households were exposed to carbon monoxide poisoning. Of the total reported cases, 10 were
drunk, and 2 were due to other disease complications, and a total of 2,756 cases were confirmed
diagnosis as carbon monoxide poisoning.
Emissions of CO were recorded every 15 seconds and the results were calculated by conducting
continuous measurements per household for 24 hours a week. The level of CO emitted into the
indoor environment of households exposed by carbon monoxide had increased during the following
time from 7 am to 9 am in the morning, from 13 pm to 15 pm, from 18 pm to 20 pm in the evening, and
from 22 pm to 24 pm at night. During this period of time, the indoor air CO level had increased from
the WHO mild poisoning recommendation level.
Conclusion
It has been defined that the carbon monoxide emits to the indoor air households which are using an
improved fuel according to measurement the 30 minutes, 31-60 minutes, and 61-120 minutes after
burning.
8. Results of a comparative study on Non-alcoholic fatty liver induced and microstructural fibrotic changes
Suvd M ; Badrakh M ; Enkhee O ; Onon B ; Gan-Erdene B ; Nomiungerel R ; Avirmed A ; Khongorzul B
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;88(4):188-192
Background:
In recent years, the incidence of liver diseases due to complications of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
(NAFLD) has shown a significant upward trend in Southeast Asian countries. NAFLD is a hepatic disorder characterized
by lipid accumulation in the microstructure of the liver in individuals who consume little to no alcohol. It is often associ
ated with insulin resistance and is diagnosed when steatosis affects more than 5% of hepatocytes histologically, or when
the fat signal intensity on MRI exceeds 5.6%, based on fat-to-water ratio measurements. In Mongolia, histological studies
using frozen liver sections with routine and special staining techniques are limited, highlighting the necessity of this study.
Aim:
To determine and compare the degree of steatosis and fibrosis in frozen liver tissue samples of patients with NAFLD
through histological analysis.
Materials and Methods:
This study was conducted at the the Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedicine and Bio
medical Research Institute of MNUMS in collaboration with the Second State Central Hospital. Ethical approval was
obtained from the Research Ethics Committee of MNUMS (Protocol No. 2024/3-06). All procedures adhered strictly to
laboratory biosafety protocols. Participants were selected among patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystec
tomy, from whom informed consent was obtained. Based on inclusion criteria, five participants were grouped as follows:
healthy control (n=1), NAFLD without fibrosis (n=2), and NAFLD with fibrosis (n=2). Liver biopsies (approx. 1 cm in
size) were obtained intraoperatively, immediately deep-frozen in liquid nitrogen, and prepared for histological evaluation.
Results:
In patients with NAFLD compared to the healthy liver group, disruption of hepatocyte columnar architecture and
mild periportal lymphocytic infiltration were observed. Oil Red O staining revealed 34–66% micro- and macrovesicular
steatosis, corresponding to grade 2 steatosis. Masson’s trichrome staining showed no fibrotic changes in perivenular or
periportal areas (Ishak grade 0/4) at this stage. However, upon progression to grade 3 steatosis, early-stage fibrosis was
observed in both perivenular and periportal regions (Ishak grade 1/4). Further progression to stage 4 fibrosis was char
acterized by the development of connective tissue septa, although no significant changes in droplet size were observed.
Conclusions
1. Increasing stages of fibrosis are not directly influenced by the severity of hepatic steatosis in NAFLD.
2. Although the degree of steatosis increases, the absence of corresponding fibrotic changes in early stages indicates a
complex progression pattern of NAFLD requiring further investigation.
9.Health professional’s knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) on air pollution
Otgonbayar D ; Tsegmid S ; Suvd B ; Oyun-Erdene O ; Buuveidulam A ; Zolzaya D ; Oyunchimeg D ; Chinzorig B ; Amartuvshin Ts ; Enkhtuya P ; Narantuya D
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2020;193(3):54-58
Introduction:
Soum and family health care centers (primary health care centers) provide public health services to
reduce the negative effects of air pollution on health. In order to decrease the risk factors due to air
pollution, it is crucial for health professionals, who are providing health care services to the public,
to have the knowledge, attitude and practice to give an advice for residents on how to protect their
health from air pollution. The “Air pollution and child health” report from WHO recommended that
responsibility of health professionals must include knowing the latest information on air pollution,
doing a research, spreading the knowledge, educating families and community and learning from
them as well, proposing solutions, and finding a solution for policy developers and decision makers
in other sectors. Therefore, we conducted this survey with purpose to determine the long-term effects
of air pollution on population psychology and lifestyle and to evaluate the level of knowledge, attitude,
and practice of health professionals on how to protect a health from air pollution.
Goal:
Evaluate the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice of health professionals on air pollution.
Material and Methods:
In 2019, this study conducted a cross-sectional design and collected quantitative and qualitative
data. 88.4% of (n=532) health professionals from 48 secondary health care centers (SHCC) and 64
family health care centers (FHCC), which are agents that implement UNICEF project, in Bayanzurkh,
Songinokhairkhan districts and Bayankhongor aimag were participated in the survey.
Results:
97.4% of the participants agreed that air pollution has negative effects on human health. 99.5% of
participants did not know the Mongolian standard for the acceptable level of air pollutant particulate
matter (PM) and 73.1% of all participants did not receive information about air quality index. 82.1% of
participants regularly give prevention advice with the purpose of protecting maternal and child health
from air. The participants who worked for more than 21 years and who are older than 51 years old
were more likely to give advice (p<0.05). As for the reasons for not giving advice about air pollution
for protecting the maternal and child health, 29.2% of participants answered the service time is not
enough, and 22.9% mentioned the lack of knowledge and information. 30.5% (162) of participants were not satisfied with their skill to give an advice on how to protect maternal and child health from
air pollution. 86.8% of participants indicated that they did not receive proper training on air pollution
and prevention from air pollution.
Conclusion
There is a need to provide training and information on how to protect maternal and child health from
air pollution for health professionals.
10.Determination of concentrations of indoor air pollutants emitted from briquette combustion
Oyun-Erdene O ; Chinzorig B ; Barkhasragchaa B ; Tumendelger D ; Solongo Ch ; Anu B ; Burmaajav B ; Suvd B
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2022;199(1):53-61
Introduction:
This field assessment was performed to ensure the effective implementation of Order No. A/142 of the Deputy Prime Minister of Mongolia dated 30th December 2021 and Order No. A/01 of the Head of the National Committee for Reducing Environmental Pollution dated 3rd January 2022 and to monitor the level of indoor air pollutants emitted from traditional stoves and standard stoves.
Purpose:
To determine the level of indoor air pollutants emitted from briquette combustion and to develop recommendations by comparing various types of stoves and dwellings.
Materials and Methods:
Through analytical cross-sectional designs, three households from Songinokhairkhan district and one household from Chingeltei district were selected to participate in this assessment as they use briquettes for heating, vary in their dwelling types (ger (traditional Mongolian tent), house) and their stove types (traditional, standard), stay home during the day and chose to participate in the assessment. 24-hour continuous measurements were conducted for each dwelling and before taking measurements, we calibrated and adjusted the air suction velocity of the measuring instrument at the Central Metrology Laboratory. The monitor was placed at a distance of 0.5m from the stove and a height of 0.5-1.0m from the floor. The results were then compared with the Mongolian National Standard “General air quality and technical requirements MNS4585:2016” and WHO Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality 2021. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 24.0 software, mean, ANOVA test, and if the p-value is less than 0.05, our results are statistically significant.
Results:
The concentration level of SO2 in houses with “Dul” stoves was within the level specified in the Mongolian standard MNS4585: 2016 and WHO Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality 2021, while 24-hour SO2 concentration in gers and houses with traditional stoves was 1.3-2.92 times higher than the standards. The 24-hour average concentration of nitrogen dioxide in houses with traditional stoves was 1.73 times higher than the Mongolian air quality standard MNS4585: 2016. There were statistically significant differences in the emission levels of SO2 and NO2 depending on dwelling and stove types (df=4, f=4.04, p=0.008 and df=4, f=17.17, p=0.001, respectively.). The 8-hour average (10,000 μg/m3) CO concentration was statistically significant for various types of dwellings and stoves (df=4, f=45.17, p=0.001), whereas there was a statistically significant difference in CO concentrations in gers with traditional stoves and gers with standard stoves in terms of morning, afternoon, and evening hours (df=3, f=33.17, p=0.001).
Conclusion
Indoor air pollutants in the households except for houses with “Dul” stoves have been determined to exceed the air quality standards set by the Mongolian air quality standards and WHO Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality 2021.