Predictors of indoor PM2.5 and CO in an urban slum settlement in Fort Portal city, Uganda

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Poor Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is one of the leading causes of respiratory and cardiopulmonary ailments. This study assessed household predictor characteristics of concentration of PM2.5 and CO concentration in cooking and living areas in Kisenyi-Mugunu an urban slum in Fort Portal city, Uganda. METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted by identifying of household predictor characteristics using household interviews and observational checklists. PM2.5 and CO concentration were measured using Temtop Air Quality Monitor LKC-1000E and EXTECH CO260 Carbon Monoxide/Carbon Dioxide IAQ Meter respectively. Linear logistic regression was used to determine associations between household predictor characteristics and level of PM2.5 and CO concentration in coking and living areas. RESULTS:Wood fuel was used by 97.59% (365/374) respondents and 88.77% (332/374) using charcoal with 83.16% (311/374) using traditional cook stoves. Half, 51.87% (194/374) of respondents cooked from outdoors and 32.09% (120/374) cooked in a separate building outside the house. Mean PM2.5 concentration for the cooking and living areas was 175.93µg/m3 and 124.29 µg/m3 respectively above the WHO Air Quality Guidance of 35μg/m3 for 24hr. Mean CO for cooking areas and living areas were 41.22ppm and 5.23ppm respectively above the 24hr WHO Air Quality Guidance of 6ppm. PM2.5 in the cooking area was associated with the main type of cooking fuel (coefficient=60.36, 95% CI: 43.76 - 76.95, 95) and distance of cooking area from main entrance (coefficient=20.32, 95% CI: 3.14 -37.50). CO in the living area was associated with hours spent cooking (coefficient = -2.37, 95% CI: -4.46 - -0.25) and cooking outdoors (coefficient = -9.95, 95% CI: -17.83 - -2.06). CONCLUSIONS:The PM2.5 and CO concentrations were found to be unacceptable for the cooking and living areas. This implies the need for both health and city authorities to priorities promoting cleaner cooking energy and planned development. KEYWORDS: PM2.5, CO, predictors, slum, Uganda