Status of particulate matter in the indoor air of residential units of Sunderbani area of Rajouri district (J&K), India

Abstract

Air pollution is currently the greatest environmental threat to human health and one of the fastest growing issues on the global health agenda. The extremely fine particulate matter (aerodynamic diameter < 2.5 microns) is of greatest concern because the particles can penetrate deep into human lungs and enter the bloodstream. The elderly, asthmatics and immune-deficient population are the most vulnerable with the increasing levels of particulate matter. The present study was conducted to assess the concentration of size-segregated Indoor Particulate Matter (PM2.5, PM1.0, PM0.50, PM0.25) in Sunderbani, Rajouri, J&K. The average values of PM2.5, PM1.0, PM0.50, and PM0.25 were reported as 110.36µg/m3, 180.50µg/m3, 276.99µg/m3 and 445.93µg/m3 respectively in the sampled households of the study area. The average value of PM2.5 in the study area was found to be above the permissible limits of 60µg/m3 given by central pollution control board (CPCB). This was the first study on concentration of size-segregated particulate matter in the indoor environment of study area and the data obtained from the study will serve as baseline data for future studies in the area.