Assessment of Particulate Matter (Pm10) in indoor residential area in Perlis

Abstract

Six suburbs in Perlis were chosen for preliminary investigation of indoor air quality in residential buildings. The concentrations of Particulate Matter (PM10) in indoor air of 24 houses were determined. The survey is being conducted in Taman Muhibbah, Jejawi; Rancangan Perumahan Awam (RPA), Arau; Batu Bertangkup, Chuping; Taman Bukit Kaya, Kangar; Taman Sri Bintong Maju, Wang Ulu; and Taman Utara Jaya, Kuala Perlis. The PM10 in indoor residential ranged between 13.89μg/m3 to 363.9μg/m3. The average value of PM10 in these areas where below the limits of Malaysia of 150μg/m3, except houses located at activity of open burning and poor ventilation system. At the same time, for outdoor air were also evaluated and the results falls under the range of 13.9μg/m3 until 272.2μg/m3. The indoor/outdoor ratios (IOR) concentration of air pollutants were mostly found to be above one which indicates that indoor air pollutant mostly come from indoor activities. Referring to human health risk assessment in this study suggest that the long term exposure to PM10 may resulted to respiratory effect and cardiovascular disease which is suggested with previous literature research.