Comparative Analysis of Outdoor Particulate Matter Concentrations in Ulaanbaatar Using Direct Measurements and Fixed Monitoring Station Data
- VernacularTitle:Улаанбаатар, Дархан хотын сууцны доторх орчны PM2.5 тоосонцор уушгины үйл ажиллагаанд үзүүлэх нөлөөг судалсан дүн (2023-2024 оны өвлийн үр дүн)
- Author:
Maralmaa E
1
;
2
;
Yerkyebulan M
3
;
Ser-Od Kh
3
;
Shatar Sh
3
;
Gantuya D
3
;
Munkh-Erdene L
4
;
Enkhjargal G
1
;
Myagmarchuluun S
1
;
Gregory Gray
5
;
Junfeng Zhang
6
;
Ulziimaa D
7
;
Damdindorj B
7
;
Davaalkham D
2
;
8
;
Darambazar G
9
Author Information
1. Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, MNUMS
2. Мongolian Center for Environmental and Occupational Health
3. Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, MNUMS
4. Mongolia-Japan Teaching Hospital, MNUMS
5. University of Texas Medical Branch, USA
6. Duke University, USA
7. MNUMS
8. School of Public Health, MNUMS
9. School of Bio-Medicine, MNUMS
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
PM2.5, Indoor air pollution, Lung function, Spirometry
- From:
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences
2025;89(5):105-111
- CountryMongolia
- Language:Mongolian
-
Abstract:
Background:Particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 micrometers or smaller (PM2.5) penetrates
deep into the alveoli through the respiratory tract and is characterized by its ability to induce oxidative stress, systemic
inflammation, and vascular inflammation. Mongolia ranks among the countries with the highest levels of air pollution. In
Ulaanbaatar, where more than half of the country’s population resides, wintertime PM2.5 concentrations often exceed 200
μg/m³, which is about eight times higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline value. A study involving
1,200 adults in Ulaanbaatar showed that quality of life deteriorated sharply during periods of high air pollution, with
effects more pronounced among individuals who already had impaired respiratory function.
Aim:To examine the relationship between indoor household PM2.5 concentrations and lung function indicators among
adults in Ulaanbaatar and Darkhan.
Materials and Methods:This analytical cross-sectional study recruited adult participants from Ulaanbaatar and Darkhan
through targeted sampling. Household air quality was measured using PurpleAir sensors, which were installed in
participants’ homes for one month. After exposure measurement, lung function was assessed via spirometry. Statistical
analyses were conducted using SPSS version 25.0.
Results:A total of 236 participants were included: 114 (48.3%) from Ulaanbaatar and 122 (51.7%) from Darkhan. The
sample consisted of 111 men (47.0%) and 125 women (53.0%). The mean indoor PM2.5 concentration was 66.24 μg/m³
(SD 44.87 μg/m³), ranging from a minimum of 7.79 μg/m³ to a maximum of 264.55 μg/m³. Stratification by housing type
showed the highest PM2.5 levels in gers (82.34 μg/m³), followed by detached houses (67.34 μg/m³), while apartments
had the lowest concentrations (32.24 μg/m³). Correlation analysis revealed statistically significant negative associations
between PM2.5 levels and measures of expiratory function, including the FEV1/FVC ratio, peak expiratory flow (PEF),
and mid-expiratory flow (FEF25–75). Reduced forced vital capacity (FVC) was observed in 9.4% of participants, reduced
forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) in 15.3%, and a decreased FEV1/FVC ratio in 3.8%.
Conclusion:Indoor household PM2.5 concentrations were highest in gers, and expiratory flow-related lung function
parameters showed significant negative associations with particulate exposure. This suggests that indoor PM2.5 primarily
affects airflow limitation rather than overall lung volumes in this population.
- Full text:2025121011160286710Улаанбаатар, Дархан хотын сууцны доторх орчны PM2.5 тоосонцор уушгины үйл.pdf
