Assessment of Indoor Air Quality of Major Departments at a Medical Center in Abia State, Nigeria
Authors: Uchendu UI, Kanu C, Onyeizu RU, Ikpeazu OV, Nwaoma CO, Duru L
DOI Info: N/A
ABSTRACT
This study assessed the indoor air quality of selected departments at a medical centre in Abia State, Nigeria. Sampling was done in the morning peak (7:00 am to 9:00 am), and evening peak (4:00 pm to 6:00 pm) for each location. Sampling involved open-air sampling in the departments/wards, and this was done twice a week for a total of four months; July (M1), August (M2), September (M3) and October (M4). Sensitive air sampler device was used for carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM5) measurements. Extech thermo-anemometer was used for measurement of meteorological parameters like temperature, wind speed and relative humidity. The result shows that the mean wind speed was 0.52, 0.73, 0.71 and 1.20 m/s for M1 to M4 respectively. Mean carbon monoxide concentration was 3.49, 3.37, 3.33, and 3.50 ppm while mean particulate matter 2.5 were 144.38, 151.15, 165.79, and 142.21 ppm for M1 to M4 respectively. Mean particulate matter 5.0 were 126.37, 100.51, 147.71, and 167.54. for the first, second, third and fourth month respectively. Means of the control samples were all below the standard organization of Nigeria standard of 20 ppm for CO and 150 ppm for particulate matter respectively. Means of the CO, PM2.5 and PM5 differed significant (P ≤ 0.05) over time. It was observed that the environment had low-moderate pollutant composition in the air and recommended that the use of poor gasoline engines, improper vehicular movement, incineration of waste generated from the hospital should be controlled.
Affiliations: Department of Environmental Management and Toxicology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria.
Keywords: Carbon Monoxide, Indoor Air Quality, Medical Centre, Particulate Matter, Relative Humidity, Temperature
Published date: 2020/12/30
