A STUDY OF RSPM IN INDOOR ATMOSPHERE AT IIT ROORKEE

Abstract

RSPM in indoor environment is generally higher than the outdoor environment in towns and cities, but indoor air pollution has not been given much importance in our country, although majority of people spend more time in indoors. The major constituent of RSPM is respirable dust, which is very harmful and can cause various diseases. In last few years more emphasis is given on the control of respirable particles. Hence the present study was taken to monitor PM2.5, PM1® and TSP in various residences, offices and departments of IIT Roorkee campus. For monitoring the above parameters, the precise instrument should be required, Haz-Dust monitor was chosen for the present study. The Time Weighted Average (T.W.A.) of PM205 have been found to be 171, 118, 146, 252, 210, 120, 68, 153, 310, 244, .120, 117, 137, 375, 398, 69, 108, 125, 205, 285, 106, 62 and 68 pg/m3 in locations A to W respectively. The Time Weighted Average (T.W.A.) of PM10 have been found to be 366, 238, 246, 322, 244, 165, 86, 181, 386, 354, 159, 144, 246, 501, 517, 98, 198, 175, 232, 458, 121, 97 and 98 pg/m3 and TSP have been found to be 532, 322, 314, 540, 39, 210, 182, 237, 496, 484, 203, 209, 386, 640, 670, 160, 244, 227, 361, 657, 161, 145 and 135 pg/m3 respectively in all the above mentioned locations. Except the senate hall, earth science museum, central library and residences of sheelkunj and premkunj, in all other locations the T.W.A. of PM 2.5, PM10 and TSP are higher than the permissible limit as prescribed by CPCB and EPA. Therefore, the indoor environment of all locations with respect to PM2,5, PM10 and TSP is not fit for human health. Hence, urgent need to improve the indoor air environment of these locations.