Indoor and Outdoor Air Pollutants at Residential Houses in Khorramabad, 2012

Background and purpose: Indoor air pollution in developing countries is considered as one of the main problems in healthcare. This study aimed at investigating the levels of indoor/outdoor air pollutants in Khorramabad during autumn and winter 2012. Materials and methods: In a cross-sectional study, nine gas concentrations and particulate pollutants were measured using air pollution measuring instruments including TSI ،BABUC/A ،and PHOCHECK 5000. Results were calculated using SPSS software and were expressed as mean and standard deviation. Results: According to limit values recommended by National Ambient Air Quality Standards for indoor pollutants, levels of CO were found within this limit, while NO2 were observed at higher concentrations recommended by the guideline. Outdoor pollutants except NO2 met the standard levels. Outdoor concentrations of NO2 and SO2 were higher than their indoor concentrations. The levels of indoor O3, VOCs and PM concentrations (depending on house features) were slightly higher than those of the outdoor levels. Conclusion: Indoor air is associated with outside air through ventilation. Sometimes, breaking down, absorbing and sedimentation of influencing pollutants will improve the air quality indices. However, activities such as smoking and using chemicals, heating without proper ventilation, cooking, improper cleaning of house, and lack of ventilation could worsen the indoor air quality.