Study of air quality during public gathering: movie theatres

CO, NO2, CO2, particulates and effective temperatures wee measured in three groups of movie theatres: First class ventilated [Av], first class non-ventilated [An] and second class unventilated theatres [B]. All contaminants increased with increase in percentage occupancy; CO, NO2 and CO2 exceeded their acceptable their acceptable levels at percentage occupancy 50 percent, particulates were several folds higher than acceptable levels. Effective temperature was controlled by both ambient temperature and percentage occupancy. It was particularly uncomfortable in summer during days shows. A marked difference was observed between ventilated and non ventilated theatres, second class theatres [B] had relatively higher concentration than first class theatres [An]. Summer values were lower than winter values due to the opening of windows and doors in hot weather. Excessive contaminants and heat content arose from both cigarette smoking and the natural respiration process of occupants. Enforcement of smoking regulations and forced ventilation [Ai conditioning] systems were recommended in such public gatherings

Mathematical models for estimation of gas pollutant dispersion

A mathematical model for computation of gas concentration due to its dispersion has been formulated. The equations deduced are suitable for estimation of gas concentration, within the limits of our study as shown by significance of the overall regression and most of the factors studied. The concentration of NO2 is inversely proportion to the height of the sampling station, and proportional to distance from traffic and population activities and from the sea. The level of pollution was inversely proportioned to wind speed. Day pollution concentrations were higher than night levels

Occupational hazards encountered in motion picture projection booths

Motion picture projectors operated with carbon are light source produce conventional combustion products such as nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, particulate matter and low levels of ozone [0.0219-0.0366 ppm]; however the use of xenon lamps eliminates combustion products but contributes to appreciable ozone levels [0.0516 ppm]. Cigarette effluents from smoking inside the cinema theatre add to the hazardous exposure of projectionists in the projector booth. Inspite of the fact that the concentration of the studied contaminants were below their TLVs, however respiratory complaints were apparent with a decrease in pulmonary function. Eye irritation and deterioration of vision were also reported. Higher carboxyhemoglobin levels were observed among non-smokers rather than smokers. It may therefore be concluded that it is unsafe to permit prolonged or repeated exposures to such concentrations. Effective control methods were recommended