Combustion air pollutants in Cairo Houses

ABSTRACT

Indoor air quality with reference to combustion generated air pollutants was examined in some Cairo houses representing different incomes. These houses are equipped with various appliances using gas and kerosene. Investigated pollutants include nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and smoke. Pollutant concentrations sometimes found to exceed air quality standards. For example, nitrogen dioxide exceeded the 100 ug/m[3] recommended limit for outdoor air. Furthermore, houses equipped with kerosene cookers were the most polluted premises. Pollutant concentrations decreased with distance from the kitchen. Moreover, better ventilation was found to greately improve indoor air quality. It is also concluded that Cairo inner city population using kerosene cookers are at high risk for the deleterious effects of combustion generated pollutants