1.Comparative analysis of household indoor PM2.5 concentrations and prevalence of hypertension between cities
Anujin M ; Myagmarchuluun S ; Erkebulan M ; Ser-Od Kh ; Shatar Sh ; Gantuyаa D ; Enkhjargal G ; Munkh-Erdene L ; Gregory C. Gray ; Jungfeng Zhang ; Damdindorj B ; Ulziimaa D ; Davaalkham D
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;89(5):5-10
Background:
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 6.7 million people die annually due to air pollution
caused by solid fuel use, with the majority of deaths resulting from respiratory diseases and cardiovascular conditions. In
Mongolia, air pollution ranks as the fourth leading risk factor contributing to mortality, following hypertension, diabetes,
and other major health risks. Although there have been numerous studies on outdoor air pollution in Mongolia, research
linking indoor air pollution at the household level with the health status of residents remains limited.
Aim:
To compare indoor PM2.5 concentrations in households of Ulaanbaatar and Darkhan and examine their association
with hypertension during the winter season.
Materials and Methods:
The study was conducted during November and December 2023, and January 2024, involving
240 households in Ulaanbaatar and Darkhan. Indoor PM2.5 concentrations were measured using Purple Air real-time
sensors continuously for 24 hours over approximately one month. After measuring indoor air pollution, individuals aged
18–60 years living in the selected households were recruited based on specific inclusion criteria. Blood pressure was
measured three times and the average value was recorded. Information on respiratory illnesses was collected through
structured questionnaires. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA version 19.0.
Results:
A total of 241 households participated in the study, with 116 from Ulaanbaatar and 125 from Darkhan. Of the
participants, 46.5% were male and 53.5% were female. In terms of housing type, 96 households (39.8%) lived in gers,
97 (40.2%) lived in stove-heated houses, and 48 (19.9%) lived in apartments. Among all participants, 66.0% (n=159) had
hypertension and 34.0% (n=79) had normal blood pressure. Among participants aged over 40, 69.9–88.5% had hypertension, which is statistically significantly higher compared to younger individuals (p=0.0001). By body mass index, 75.3%
(n=72) of overweight individuals and 78.4% (n=58) of obese participants had hypertension, showing a statistically significant difference compared to participants with normal weight (p=0.0001). The 24-hour average concentration of indoor
PM2.5 was measured using the Purple Air device, and the levels in gers and stove-heated houses exceeded the limit set
by the MNS 4585:2025 standard (37.5 µg/m³)
Conclusion
This study identified a relationship between environmental factors, such as air pollution and housing type,
and the prevalence of hypertension. The indoor PM2.5 concentration in gers and stove-heated houses was above the standard limit, indicating a negative impact on the health of those residents. Furthermore, the high prevalence of hypertension
among participants over the age of 40 and those who are overweight suggests a possible link to lifestyle and environmental conditions.
Result Analysis
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