1.Comparison of ambient air PM2.5 pollution in Mongolian cities by raw and improved coal consumption
Buyantushig B ; Enkhjargal G ; Batzorig B ; Ulziihhutag B ; Davaalkham D
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;88(4):62-66
Background:
An estimated 99% of the global population lives in environments where PM2.5 levels exceed the WHO air
quality guideline of 15 μg/m³. In 2018, air pollution contributed to approximately 4.2 million deaths worldwide. In Mongolia, air pollution—particularly in urban centers like Ulaanbaatar, worsens significantly during the winter season, posing
a serious public health and local concern. Therefore, it is compulsory to compare the outdoor air quality in Ulaanbaatar,
the capital and Darkhan city.
Aim:
To assess and compare the outdoor PM2.5 concentrations in Ulaanbaatar and Darkhan during the winter season.
Materials and Methods:
This study was conducted in Ulaanbaatar and Darkhan from December 10, 2024, to February
19, 2025. A total of 60 PurpleAir Classic+ sensors (30 per city) were installed to assess PM2.5 concentrations at 2-minute
intervals. We analyzed collected data using R software. The 24-hour average PM2.5 concentrations were compared with
both the Mongolian National Air Quality Standard (MNS4585:2016) and the WHO air quality guidelines (2021).
Results:
The 24-hour average PM2.5 concentration in Ulaanbaatar was 112.3±62.2 μg/m³, which was significantly higher
than that in Darkhan (79.2±25.6 μg/m³; p<0.05). In Ulaanbaatar, the monthly averages were 119.9±67.7 μg/m³ (Decem
ber), 113.5±60.8 μg/m³ (January), and 95.0±51.9 μg/m³ (February) respectively (p<0.05). In contrast, Darkhan city’s
monthly average PM2.5 remained relatively close across the months: 79.1±22.2 μg/m³ (December), 78.7±28.6 μg/m³
(January), and 84.6±30.0 μg/m³ (February), with no statistical significance (p>0.05). During the study period, the 24-hour
average PM2.5 concentrations exceeded the MNS4585:2016 (50 μg/m³) in 69.8% of days in Ulaanbaatar and 64.6% in
Darkhan. WHO’s guideline of 15 μg/m³ was exceeded 93.4% of the time in both cities.
Conclusion
Darkhan city has lower PM2.5 concentrations compared to Ulaanbaatar, both cities significantly exceeded
MNS4585:2016 standard and the WHO air quality guidelines (2021) during the winter months.
2.Study results of PM1 and PM10 particulate matter concentrations in Ulaanbaatar city’s household environments using low-cost sensors.
Ulziimaa D ; Jargalsaikhan G ; Ser-Od Kh ; Enkhjargal G ; Myagmarchuluun S ; Gantuya D ; Munkh-Erdene L ; Damdindorj B ; Khurelbaatar N ; Davaalkham D
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;88(4):88-91
Background:
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 99 percent of the world’s population is exposed to air
that exceeds WHO recommendations, with low- and middle-income countries being the most affected. The main causes
of indoor air pollution include human activities such as fuel burning, cooking, cleaning, and smoking; housing characteristics such as walls, floors, ceilings, and furniture; ventilation; and outdoor air pollution.
Aim :
To assess PM1 and PM10 concentrations in 120 selected households in Ulaanbaatar.
Materials and Methods :
Indoor PM1 and PM10 concentrations were measured using Purple Air real-time sensors in
randomly selected Ulaanbaatar households between October 2023 and January 2024. Supplementary data on factors affecting the PM2.5 concentration were collected via questionnaires. Each measurement was taken in 10-minute intervals,
yielding 51,309 data for analysis.
Results :
PM1 concentrations were measured at 55.5±53.2 μg/m³ in gers, 54.9 ± 46.7 μg/m³ in houses, and 31.6±40.1 μg//m³ in apartments (p<0.001) and measuring PM10 concentrations were 110.6±108.6 μg/m³ in gers, 110.6±96.7 μg/m³ in
houses, and 62.2±83.0 μg/m³ in apartments (p<0.001) When considering the concentration of PM1, PM10 by heating
type, PM1 was 55.3±50.1 μg/m³ and PM10 was 110.6±103.0 μg/m³ in households with stoves and furnaces, and PM1
was 31.6±40.1 μg/m³ and PM10 was 62.2±83.0 μg/m³ in households connected to the central heating system (p<0.001).
Regarding the months of measurement, the highest concentration was observed in December 2023, at 77.1±94.1 μg/m³. The highest concentrations for both PM₁ and PM₁₀ were recorded in January 2024, at PM₁: 64.8±55.1 μg/m³, PM₁₀:
131.4±116.0 μg/m³.
Conclusion
1. Indoor PM10 concentrations in residential environments in Ulaanbaatar city were within the MNS4585:2016 Air
Quality Standard, however, it was exceeded the WHO air quality guidelines, indicating an excessive risk of increasing morbidity and mortality among the population.
2. Indoor PM1 and PM10 concentrations in residential environments in Ulaanbaatar varies depending on location, type
of housing, type of heating, and month of measurement.
3.An Overview Study of Air Pollution in Ulaanbaatar City
Ulziikhutag B ; Enkhjargal G ; Buyantushig B ; Jargalsaikhan G ; Eelin Kh ; Ulziimaa D ; Damdindorj B ; Khurelbaatar N ; Davaalkham D
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;85(1):263-266
Background:
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution was responsible for 8.1 million deaths
globally in 2021, making it the second leading cause of death, including among children under 5 years old. Air pollution
is also linked to a range of diseases such as stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and asthma. In
Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, the average daily concentration of PM2.5 particles in the air reaches 750 μg/m3
during winter, which is 50 times higher than the WHO’s recommendation, making it one of the most polluted cities in
the world. Air pollution continues to pose a significant public health challenge not only in Mongolia but also in many
countries globally. However, there is a lack of comprehensive research and studies that summarize and review the existing
work in this field.
Aim:
To summarize and review thematic works on air pollution conducted by researchers from Mongolian universities.
Materials and Methods:
A systematic review and analysis were performed on thematic works by researchers who completed their master’s and doctoral degrees in the field of air pollution between 2011 and 2024.
Results:
In terms of the type of master’s and doctoral dissertations, 76.0% (n=19) were master’s theses and 24.0% (n=6)
were doctoral dissertations. Among the total number of works included in the study, 36.0% (n=9) focused on the health
effects of air pollution, while 64.0% (n=16) addressed other related areas. Some studies indicated that PM2.5 levels in
the air between 2011 and 2024 were 1-6 times higher than the Mongolian standard, with the highest levels observed from
November to February and the lowest in July. Additionally, some studies suggested a reduction in PM2.5 levels following
the introduction of improved fuel in Ulaanbaatar. Air pollution was found to increase the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, as well as cancer, and to contribute to reduced fetal weight.
Conclusion
When examining thematic studies on air pollution conducted by state-owned universities in Mongolia, the
primary focus has been on the composition, concentration, and health impacts of air pollution. Going forward, research
aimed at mitigating air pollution should be driven by collaborative efforts and leadership from universities, with the results being effectively communicated to policymakers.
4.Quality Assurance of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Unit - A Single Center Study
Sarantuya Ts ; Amarjargal B ; Tungalag B ; Khishgee D ; Amarmend T ; Delgertsog T ; Amarjargal E ; Sarantuya G ; Gan-Orshikh L ; Enkhjargal B ; Sarantsatsral D ; Burentungalag A ; Nandintsetseg B ; Tserendolgor Ts ; Sattgul Sh ; Javzanpagma E ; Suvdantsetseg B ; Khashchuluun O ; Ouynkhishig N ; Munkhtuya E ; Uranchimeg M ; Oyuntungalag L ; Myadagmaa B ; Bat-Erdene I ; Batgombo N ; Saranbaatar A
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;86(2):165-170
Background:
Accreditation of healthcare institutions serves as a fundamental mechanism for ensuring patient safety
and validating the quality of medical services provided to the population. At Intermed Hospital, a quality measurement
system for healthcare services has been established since 2015, encompassing 126 quality indicators at both institutional
and departmental levels. This system facilitates continuous quality improvement efforts. In this context, quality indicators
specific to the endoscopy department play a pivotal role in objectively assessing the quality of endoscopic services.
Aim:
To assess the quality indicators in gastrointestinal endoscopy unit.
Materials and Methods:
A retrospective single-center study was conducted by collecting data from the Intermed hospital’s
electronic information systems which included HIS and PACS and Quality and Safety Department’s Database and the results
were processed using the SPSS software. Ethical approval was granted by the Intermed hospital’s Scientific research
committee. The quality of endoscopic services in the Intermed hospital was assessed based on: a) the average values of
four quality indicators measured monthly; b) sample survey data from five categories of quality indicators.
Results :
Between 2016 and 2024, the quality indicators of the endoscopy unit measured as the level of early warning
score evaluations for patients was 95.97%±3.33, the level of cases where peripheral blood oxygen saturation decreased
during sedation was 1.54%±3.78, the level of cases where patients experienced paradoxiical response during sedation was
5.82%±1.75, surveillance culturing level for validation of endoscopy reprocessing was 11.6%. The endoscopic documentation
quality by peer review showed 95.7-100%, the colonoscopy quality indicators were followings as adenoma
detection rate: 24.5% Cecal intubation rate: 99.1%, 95.2%, Colonoscope withdrawal average time: 13.28±10.62 minutes,
Bowel preparation quality (Boston Scale): 89.3% 95.7%), patient discharge from the recovery room, Average discharge
time post-procedure: With propofol alone: 30.92 minutes; With propofol and fentanyl combined: 31.52 minutes, The intermediate
risk was 0.28% by the TROOPS evaluation during procedural sedation.
Conclusion
The quality benchmark levels for these endoscopic units, as determined by a single-center study, can be
effectively implemented by benchmark endoscopy centers to enhance their quality and safety operations.
5. A study to determine actual daily consumption of drinking and residential water for households in Ulaanbaatar
Zolzaya D ; Suvd B ; Amgalan G ; Tsegmed S ; Bolor B ; Soyombo G ; Oyun-Erdene O ; Altangerel B ; Oyunchimeg D ; Enkhjargal A ; Bolormaa I ; Tsogtbaatar B
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2024;208(2):39-47
Introduction :
Water is a vital resource for human existence and is essential for daily food processing, preparation,
washing, hygiene, and sanitation. Furthermore, providing the population with safe drinking water is one
of the pressing problems of the world and some regions.
In recent years, population density and the scale of commercial and industrial activities, as well as clean
and dirty water consumption were increased in the capital city. As a result of these, ground and surface
water resources are becoming scarce and polluted.
Therefore, assessment of daily drinking and residential water consumption of Ulaanbaatar should be
determined to use drinking water properly in daily life and water loss. This study assessed the actual
amount of households’ daily water consumption.
Goal:
The purpose of this study is to determine the daily consumption of drinking water for households in ger
areas and apartments in Ulaanbaatar.
Materials and Method:
This study covers 30 households in ger areas and 15 apartment households, in Ulaanbaatar.
Household members performed 6-10 types of measurements every day, within 7 days. As a result of
these measurements, actual consumption of water quantity used for drinking and household purposes
was calculated. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS Version 21 to calculate the true probability of
difference between parameters.
Result:
67.9% of the households in the ger areas were 4-5 family members. The average daily household
consumption of drinking and domestic water were 68.3 ± 3.57 L (95% 61.3-75.3), the minimum
consumption was 12 L, and the maximum was 227 L. Average of the household water consumption
water was 97.6-108.9 liters during the weekends, and water consumption was statistically higher than
weekdays (p=0.001; p=0.01).
The water consumption of residential households with 3 family members accounted for the majority
(30.8%) in this study. The average daily consumption of drinking and domestic water was 297.67±19.7
liters. There was no statistically significant difference (p=0.96) in week. The average daily water
consumption including drinking and residential was 270.3-335.97 L.
The total daily drinking and residential water consumption per person was 15.57 L for households in ger areas and 90 L for apartment households. Calculating the daily water consumption of households in ger areas, 60.3% of it is used for laundry, washing dishes, food preparation, washing face and hands, and clothes, 31% for drinking, and 8.7% for outdoor water use. While apartment households, approximately 94.1%, were used for household and 5.9% for drinking purposes.
Research ethics approval :
This study was discussed at the meeting of the Academic Council of the National Center for Public
Health. In addition, this study was carried out according to the methods and methods discussed and
approved at the meeting of the Medical Ethics Control Committee of the Ministry of Health (Resolution
No. 08).
Conclusion
The total daily consumption of drinking and residential water per person were 15.57 litres for the
households in the ger areas and 90 litres for the apartment households. It implies that it does not exceed
the WHO recommendations
6.ХАР ЦОХНЫ ЭТАНОЛЫН ХАНДМАЛ ДАХЬ ХИМИЙН ЗАРИМ НЭГДЛИЙГ ТОДОРХОЙЛСОН ДҮН
Dorjjagdag G ; Dagdanbazar B ; Enkhjargal D ; Nyamdorj D
Innovation 2017;11(2):46-48
BACKGROUND. As long ago times or perhaps longer, people were using insects as medicines for healing wounds, preventing infections and improving health. Some of these are purely anecdotal, while others have proven basis in fact as tested by modern medicine.Usage of insects intraditional medicine was recorded since time immemorial.Insects and their substances have been used as medicinal resources by different cultures since ancient time because of chemical compounds - e.g. pheromones, defensive sprays, venoms and toxins, which were sequestered fromplants or prey and later concentrated or transformed for their own use.In many parts of the world,different sections of the society have been using medico-entomological drugs to this day in their lives.A numberof studies has in recent years drawn attention to thetherapeutic value of certain species of insects, their products, and their developmental stages.As has been documented insects can be a source of drugs used in modern medicine, since compounds of insect origin can have immunological, analgesic, antibacterial, diuretic, anaesthetic and anti-rheumatic, antitumor properties. Numerous insect originated materia medicain Mongolian traditional medicine contribute this source of therapeutics and variety of ancientmedical treatises by local authors as well as translations of renowned Ayurvedic medical books about animals as medicine exist.Knowledge about therapy with insects in Mongolian traditional medicine is less studied even they have been used broadly since ancient time. Several orthodox practitioners have surveyed the therapeutic potentials of defensive agents in dark beetleknown as “stink beetle” in the past.Yet the scientific community has to give thismajor and crucial component of traditional Mongolian medicine the attention it deserves, scientific knowledge about biologically active principles within medicinal insect remain poorly unknown.
AIM OF STUDY.To define chemical analysis of ethanol whole body extract of Tenebrionid beetles. METHOD AND RESULT. We collected Tenebrionid beetles from local regions including desert, grassland, and to make an 40% ethanol extract of whole body to determine species of Tenebrionid beetles by entomoscope. After 30 days for saving in organic extract, to determine chemical composition of filtered 2 ml sample solution by high performance liquid chromatography - mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). Using digital usb microscope 2.0 mp to confirm special characters of Tenebrionid beetles to Tenebrionid B.miliaria in biological termin. In HPLC-MS, octadecanoic acid is presented in 2 regional samples. CONCLUSION. Octadecanoic acid, the surface lipid of the insect was determined from the ethanol whole body extract of Tenebrionid beetles.
7. HEAVY METAL SOIL POLLUTION IN ULAANBAATAR AND ESTIMATES OF HEAVY METALS IN THE HUMAN BODY
Undarmaa E ; Zolboo B ; Enkhjargal G
Innovation 2015;9(3):146-148
Environmental pollution, manufactured cities related to human activities such as soil contaminated by heavy metals pollution is one of the problems of the world’s major cities. Heavy metals are one of the main sources of pollution and the environment through biogeochemical cycles, and stored for a long time in the body of living organisms, poisoning is able to generate a negativeimpact on human health. Ulaanbaatar, 2010, along the main road in 11 point analysis of 22 soil samples from some of the heavy metal pollution in the soil lead levels were within normal limits,but the high concentration of topsoil is defined. A study conducted in 2011, but the average leadconcentration of 47.3 ppm healthy uncontaminated soil that is 3-4 times larger than defined.Heavy metals in the soil pollution, but pollution levels being conducted quarterly study and their sources of research have been identified. Heavy metal contamination of Ulaanbaatar soil andcalculation of the amount of heavy metals enter the body. Specialized inspection agency of Ulaanbaatar cities laboratory analysis conducted, the data used as descriptive research study design, participated in the study. Metropolitan areas in the 80 point balance divided analyzed by standard analysis of soil samples collected in spring and autumn, MNS5850:2008 was assessed by comparison with the standard.The average amount of lead in the soil of Ulaanbaatar 18.09 mg/kg (95%CI 13.7-22.4mg/kg), and cadmium concentration of 1.02 mg/kg (95%CI 0.7-1.3mg/kg), the mercury concentration of0.03 mg/kg (95%CI 0.006-0.05 mg/kg) that “The quality of the soil, and soil pollutants, maximum permissible elements” MNS5850:2008 standards, compared to less than the maximum allowed. Lead in the soil through the ingestion 11.75x10-3 mg/kg/day (95%CI 8.9-14.55x10-3 mg/kg/day) and cadmium 0.66x10-3 mg/kg/day (95%CI 0.45-0.84x10-3 mg/kg/day) of mercury 0.02x10-3 mg/kg/day (95%CI 0.0-0.03x10-3 mg/kg/day), and inhalation of lead 1.06x10-6 mg/m3 (95%CI 0.80-1.32x10-6 mg/m3) and cadmium 0.06x10-6 mg/m3 (95%CI 0.00-0.08x10-6 mg/m3), dermal adsorption lead 2.62x10-6 mg/kg/day (95%CI 1.98-3.24x10-6 mg/kg/day) and cadmium 0.15x10-6 mg/kg/day (95%CI 0.10-0.19x10-6 mg/kg/day) be digestible. Ulaanbaatar soil containing lead, cadmium, mercury, “The quality of the soil, and soil pollutants, maximum permissible elements” MNS5850:2008 compared to less than the maximum permitted levels. Three entry through access to the body of heavy metals in the soil to estimate the amount of mercury and cadmium lead digestive, respiratory and skin is a little more access.
8.Results of the assessment of the laboratory system
Enkhjargal Ts ; Khadkhuu V ; Naran G ; Regzedmaa D ; Dulamjav J
Health Laboratory 2013;2(2):21-25
Rationale:
Effective healthcare starts with an accurate diagnosis, and laboratory plays an important role in this. All health laboratories, be it clinical, animal health, food safety, or environmental health laboratory, contribute to health care and public health security. Therefore, many public health programs are conducting laboratory assessments. The assessment findings can be used for identification of areas in which efforts should be directed in order to strengthen the national laboratory system and health laboratories.
Goal:
The goal of the project was to assess the national laboratory system and health laboratories of Mongolia.
Methods and materials:
Laboratory assessment tool (LAT) developed by WHO was used for the assessment of two areas: 1. strategic organization at the national level, and 2. specific technical capacities at the laboratories level. The national laboratory system was assessed using LAT System questionnaire with the participation of MOH officers, and the assessment of laboratories was conducted using LAT Facility questionnaire with the involvement of laboratories representing public and private sectors, all three levels of urban and rural health care organizations, and clinical and public health areas of laboratory services.
Results:
The strongest areas of the national laboratory system at the policy and regulatory level were “Coordination and management” and “Laboratory information system”. The weaker (below 75%) areas were “Structure and organizations”, “Regulations”, “Infrastructure” and “Human resources”. The insufficient infrastructure score was due to the lack of financing. The main problems detected in the area of Human resources were insufficient financial and organizational support of continuous education of laboratory workers, shortage of trained personnel and incomplete national registration system of laboratory professionals.
The results of the laboratory capacities showed that the assessed laboratories were strong in “Data and information management”, “Specimen collection and handling” and “Consumables and reagents”. The testing performance of most laboratories was excellent but the external quality assurance was not available in some test disciplines. The weaker areas of the laboratories were “Facilities”, “Public health functions” and “Biorisk management”. The module “Organization and management” showed lower score mainly due to insufficient budget. The same was with “Facilities”. Although the general safety management of laboratories was very good, the biosafety component was not incorporated in it.
Conclusions and recommendations:
1.A national regulatory body needs to be established for the registration of all laboratories and laboratory professional staff.
2.Each laboratory should formally designate an appropriately trained Quality manager,
3.Set-up a formal professional development/ continuous education system for laboratory professionals.
4.Develop biosafety policy and implementation plan.
5.Establish a comprehensive national laboratory information management system (LIMS).
9. Results of the assessment of the laboratory system
Enkhjargal TS ; Khadkhuu V ; Naran G ; Regzedmaa D ; Dulamjav J
Health Laboratory 2013;2(2):21-25
Rationale: Effective healthcare starts with an accurate diagnosis, and laboratory plays an important role in this. All health laboratories, be it clinical, animal health, food safety, or environmental health laboratory, contribute to health care and public health security. Therefore, many public health programs are conducting laboratory assessments. The assessment findings can be used for identification of areas in which efforts should be directed in order to strengthen the national laboratory system and health laboratories.Goal:The goal of the project was to assess the national laboratory system and health laboratories of Mongolia.Methods and materials:Laboratory assessment tool (LAT) developed by WHO was used for the assessment of two areas: 1. strategic organization at the national level, and 2. specific technical capacities at the laboratories level. The national laboratory system was assessed using LAT System questionnaire with the participation of MOH officers, and the assessment of laboratories was conducted using LAT Facility questionnaire with the involvement of laboratories representing public and private sectors, all three levels of urban and rural health care organizations, and clinical and public health areas of laboratory services. Results: The strongest areas of the national laboratory system at the policy and regulatory level were “Coordination and management” and “Laboratory information system”. The weaker (below 75%) areas were “Structure and organizations”, “Regulations”, “Infrastructure” and “Human resources”. The insufficient infrastructure score was due to the lack of financing. The main problems detected in the area of Human resources were insufficient financial and organizational support of continuous education of laboratory workers, shortage of trained personnel and incomplete national registration system of laboratory professionals.The results of the laboratory capacities showed that the assessed laboratories were strong in “Data and information management”, “Specimen collection and handling” and “Consumables and reagents”. The testing performance of most laboratories was excellent but the external quality assurance was not available in some test disciplines. The weaker areas of the laboratories were “Facilities”, “Public health functions” and “Biorisk management”. The module “Organization and management” showed lower score mainly due to insufficient budget. The same was with “Facilities”. Although the general safety management of laboratories was very good, the biosafety component was not incorporated in it.Conclusions and recommendations:1.A national regulatory body needs to be established for the registration of all laboratories and laboratory professional staff.2.Each laboratory should formally designate an appropriately trained Quality manager, 3.Set-up a formal professional development/ continuous education system for laboratory professionals. 4.Develop biosafety policy and implementation plan.5.Establish a comprehensive national laboratory information management system (LIMS).
10.A Comparative Study of Traditional And Conventional Treatment Of Chronic Pyelonephritis
Enkhbayar M ; Enkhjargal D ; Amarzaya D ; Sarantsetseg G ; Burmaa B ; Munkhzul D ; Khishigjargal S
Journal of Oriental Medicine 2012;3(2):8-8
Abstract The aim of this study is to compare the effects of traditional and conventional treatment of chronic pyelonephritis. Total of 100 patients diagnosed with chronic pyelonephritis were enrolled in the study. Traditional medicines included following: Sugmel-10, Sarichun, Yuna-4, Sema-3, and Sojid-11. Conventional medicines included following: ciprofloxacin, cefasolin, and negram. After 10-14 days of treatment questionnaire, physical examinations, and laboratory tests were performed. In 90% of patient treated with traditional medicines, changes of smell and color of urine was disappeared. Back pain and dysuria was reduced in 89.7% and 75% of patients respectively. While in control or conventional treatment group, changes of smell and color of urine was completely disappeared and back pain and dysuria was reduced in 80% and 88% of patients respectively. Pasternatskii’s symptom and arterial hypertension was reduced in about 58% and 77% of patients respectively. Bacterial growth (Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus) was ceased in 39.4% and reduced in 46.4% of patients treated with traditional medicines. It was ceased in 60% and reduced in 30% of control patients.Traditional medicines reduced signs and symptoms of chronic pyelonephritis. Bacterial growth was ceased or reduced by traditional treatment. Traditional medicines are effective as conventional medicines for treatment of chronic pyelonephritis.
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