Indoor Particulate Concentration during Biomass burning in Central India

Indoor air particulate (PM) exposure is several folds more dangerous than outdoor air owing to burning of different materials. Burning biomass emits toxic fumes that are found to be associated with numerous health problems such as respiratory diseases, etc. In our study area, approximately 80% of the population of Chhattisgarh state, central India use biomass such as wood, and cow dung as a primary source of domestic energy and therefore require proper study about indoor emission. Thus, the PM10 and associated eight ions i.e. Cl-, NO3-, SO42-, NH4+, Na+, K+, Mg2+ and Ca2+ from the burning of wood and cow dung in indoor in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, central India is investigated. The highest mean concentration of PM10 (17697 μg m-3) and the sum of eight ions, Σion8 (38.4 mg m-3), were found from the burning of wood. The indoor concentration of PM10 exceeds the guidelines levels. The wood like Mangifera indica emits the highest concentration of PM10. However, Acacia arabica is found to be acidic in nature. Thus, this result helps us to be aware of the adverse effects of indoor emission from burning. Therefore, the improved models, alternative for energy source and sufficient ventilation are supposed to be recommended option for the future.

Keywords:

Indoor air , particulate , ions , wood , cow dung