Abstract

Background: We assessed indoor PM_2.5 exposure and the likelihood of human health risk amongst pensioners, residing in close proximity to the Heatherly landfill site. Methodology: Time spent pattern of pensioners were collected using diaries and questionnaires. Particulate matter of different sizes were monitored using a Nanozen Dust Count 8899 over 7 day monitoring period.

 The study was conducted in the spring season of Aug-September 2022, in the Nellmapius community, Pretoria. Information on time spent pattern and body weight was collected from pensioner participants (n=78). Indoor PM_2.5 measurements were collected in electrified formal (RDP) and informal households (corrugated iron structures) (n=6). Results and discussion: Time spent pattern showed females and males pensioners spent 79% and 72% of their time indoors, respectively. However, 12% participants both males and females, residing in informal households spent 50% time outdoors and 50% times indoors. Furthermore, 6% females and 3% males in formal and informal households spent 100% of their time indoors due to ill-health and disabilities. The average body weight for pensioners were slightly the same with females weighing 69kg and males at 63kg. Indoor PM_2.5 mass concentration ranged from 19.1 - 57.9µg/m³ for the near-field informal households (<1km from source) which is a ≤6 folds in exceedance from the stipulated WHO OEL of 10µg/m³ for indoor PM_2.5. The far-field (>1km) informal and formal households ranged from 1.8 - 2.3 µg/m³. The HQ was in the ranges of 21 - 137 and 19 -124 for females and males in the near field, and <1-7 and 4-6 for females and males in the far-field. Conclusion: This finding suggests that, pensioners in informal households <1km from source, are at greater risk of developing PM_2.5 related illnesses. Due to the vulnerability of this age group it is important for air quality governance measures to be implemented in order to restore or improve air quality in the neighbourhoods and similar areas.