Health outcomes attributed to PM10 due to dust storms in Ilam city, in Iran from 2012 to 2013

In recent years, increasing dust storms originating from the Iran's neighbors in the west have led to social, economic, and health concerns. The aim of this study was to assess the acute health effects of dust and estimate the mortality rate associated with cardiovascular and pulmonary disorders, attributed to dust particles in Ilam city, by using WHO protocols. In this study, concentrations of PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 were measured from March 2012 to Feb 2013. The measurement was performed using the Grimm aerosol spectrometer model 1.108. Air Quality Health Impact Assessment software (Air Q 2.2.3) was used for quantification of health outcomes attributed to PM10 in Ilam, Iran. Using the model, the number of cumulative excess mortality, mortality due to cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, and all admitted patients due to cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases attributed to PM10 in Ilam were 69.2, 42.5, 12.3, 80.3 and 208.7 cases respectively. The additional cases of disorders attributed to PM10 showed an increasing trend with concentrations of more than 100 µg/m3. This trend was more severe with concentrations of more than 200 µg/m3. The estimated rates of health outcomes attributed to PM10 associated with dust storms necessitate urgent regional measures to bring the problem of harmful particles under control. In addition, personal care and training are of great importance.