Assessing volatile organic compound level in selected workplaces of Kathmandu Valley

Madhav Kharel,Surendra Chalise,Baburam Chalise,Khaga Raj Sharma,Deepak Gyawali,Hari Paudyal,Bhanu Bhakta Neupane

doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e08262

Madhav Kharel, Surendra Chalise + Show 5 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e08262

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Journal: Heliyon	Publication Date: Oct 27, 2021
Citations: 4	License type: cc-by

Affiliation: Tribhuvan University

Abstract

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are one of the major contributors to poor indoor air quality. Due to advancements in sensor technologies, continuous if not regular monitoring total VOC (TVOC) and or some specific VOC in potential high risk workplaces is possible even in resource limited settings. In this study, we implemented a portable VOC sensor to measure concentration of TVOC and formaldehyde (HCHO) in six types of potential high risk workplaces (n = 56 sites) of Katmandu Valley. For comparison, concentration was also measured in immediate surroundings (n = 56) of all the sites. To get preliminary information on safety practices, a survey study was also conducted. The mean TVOC and HCHO concentration in the sites ranged from 1.5‒8 mg/m3 and <0.01–5.5 mg/m3, respectively. The indoor: outdoor TVOC and HCHO ratio (I/O) was found to be significantly higher (I/O > 1.5 and p < 0.05) in 34 (~61%) and 47 sites (∼84%), respectively. A strong positive correlation between HCHO and TVOC concentration was observed in furniture industry (R = 0.91) and metal workshops (R = 0.98). Interestingly, we found TVOC and HCHO concentration higher than WHO safe limit in ∼64% and ∼32% sites, respectively. A rough estimate of chronic daily intake (CDI) of formaldehyde showed that CDI is higher than WHO limit in four sites. These findings suggested that indoor air quality in the significant number of the workplaces is poor and possible measures should be taken to minimize the exposure.

Highlights

Air quality has been one of major health concerns globally
A most recent estimate shows that the combined effect of outdoor and indoor air pollution leads to around seven million early deaths annually [1,2]
The increased emission of primary air pollutants such as particulate matter, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and ozone has led to poor air quality in many cities across the globe [1,3]

Summary

Introduction

Air quality has been one of major health concerns globally. A most recent estimate shows that the combined effect of outdoor and indoor air pollution leads to around seven million early deaths annually [1,2]. In 2016, the outdoor and indoor air pollution related deaths were 4.2 and 3.8 million, respectively [3]. Most recent WHO data showed that around 90% global people breathe low quality air [2]. The poor air quality and health effect has been a subject of considerable interest to scientific community and public. Several groups across the globe are actively exploring different aspects of air pollution such as source identification, short and long term health effects, and mitigation strategies [4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10]

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