Measurement of CO concentrations in indoor and atmospheric ambient air of Birjand (September 2012 to March 2013)

Background and Aim: One of the notorious  air pllutants on which air quality is determined is  carbon monoxide (CO). The aim of the present study was to measure the concentration of CO outdoor and indoor urban environments and compare it with air quality standards within buildings  and open spaces. Materials and Methods: This research was a descriptive-analytical study of CO estimation in outdoor and indoor air of Birjand. Concentration of CO at the height of 150 cm and in the closest street leading to the specific building and also, inside the building (i.e.drawing room)-at the hight of 75 cm was measured using a CO meter. For data analysis, statistical softwares SPSS (V:18) and Excel were used applying Mann-Whitney, Friedman, and Wilcoxon statistical tests. Results: It was found that the highest concentrations of CO in the outdoor air in Birjand were 11 and 10 ppm in December and March, respectively. And highest concentrations of CO in indoor air were 11 and 9 ppm in February, respectively. But, in general, the average concentration of CO measured in outdoor and indoor air quality in both months were less than the standard measure air pollution outside (9ppm) and the quality of indoor air pollution (25ppm). Conclusion: Regarding to results of the present study, concentrations of indoor and outdoor CO of Birjand air were in standard ranges