Assessment of Indoor Air Pollutants with Special Reference to Particulate Phase Polyaromatic Hydrocarbon in Rural Villages

Abstract

Emissions from household stoves using traditional biomass fuels such as firewood, crop residue and animal dung could have a continuing contribution to air pollution and also have adverse health impacts due to emission of different toxic pollutants. The present study was carried out in 13 household kitchens in Thavarghatta located in Shimoga district to know the level of the total suspended particulate matter (TSPM) and particulate phase polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) associated with it. TSPM was recorded in the range of 2.66 mg/m³–32.366 mg/m³, and it was found that the level was much higher than the standard level prescribed by EPA for indoor environment. Particulate PAHs (16 Major PAH compounds prescribed by EPA) were observed in the range of 4.2 µg/m³–30.67 µg/m³ and this also exceeded tolerance limit according to the guidelines set by WHO. The 3-ring PAHs compounds (acenapthalene, acenapthene, fluorene, phenanthrene, and anthracene) dominate more than 50% of particulate phase PAHs. Therefore, the present study infers that there may be high health risk in indoor environment with particulate dust and PAHs in this region and need proper public awareness, change in pattern of fuel use, modification in stove design and improvement in ventilation to reduce the risk factor.