Particulate matters and gaseous contaminants in indoor environments in an isolated northern community
Michael Guggisberg, Patric A Hessel, Dennis Michaelchuk, Martin Atiemo

 

ABSTRACT [full text] [back to issue 62(2)]

 

Objectives. Globally, 86% of exposure to particulate matter (PM) occurs indoors. Wood furnaces and smoke curing are known sources of PM in isolated communities in northern Canada.

Study Design. Three homes with wood furnaces, three with oil furnaces, and nine tipis (smoke curing huts) in Deline, Northwest Territories were sampled for carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, total hydrocarbons, formaldehyde, and for PM of less than 10 microns in diameter (PM10).

Results. All gaseous contaminants were below relevant air quality standards. In contrast, all but one environment had PM10 concentrations above standards. The presence of smokers correlated with higher PM10 levels within fuel categories. PM10 did not differ significantly between heating types (means, 0.12-0.53 mg/m3). Exposures to PM10 in tipis averaged 2.3 mg/m3.

Conclusion. Residents were exposed to substantial concentrations of PM10 from cigarette smoking, wood stoves, and smoke curing. Concentrations were within the range where respiratory symptoms have been observed. Measures to reduce exposure should consider prevention of adverse health effects and preservation of traditional activities.

Keywords: Particulate matter, PM10, Indoor air quality, Wood stoves, Smoke curing