Exposure to Particulate Matter of Less than 10 Microns and its Effect on Respiratory and Cardiovascular Diseases in Isfahan, Iran in 2013

In recent years, due to its distinct geographical circumstances and position in a gorge, and accumulation of pollutants in surface air, Isfahan, Iran has become one of the most polluted cities in the Iran in terms of air pollution. The purpose of this study was to estimate cardiovascular and respiratory diseases attributed to particulate matter of less than 10 microns (PM10) in Isfahan in 2013.
This descriptive study was conducted in Isfahan in 2013. In the first phase, the concentration of PM10 was measured using GRIMM portable device 15-channel (Model 108, made in Germany). Temperature and pressure were obtained hourly using devices of the meteorological organization and recorded. Then, the data were processed using Excel software and health effects attributed to PM10 were evaluated through statistical analysis and using the World Health Organization Air Q model.
Findings: The results showed that the concentration of PM10 was higher in the spring and summer than in the autumn and winter. The maximum concentration of PM10 was recorded in Ahmadabad station (1000/83 micrograms per cubic meter). In addition, the results show that the cumulative number of cases of cardiovascular and respiratory disease estimated in the middle relative risk were 585 and 1517 individuals in 2013, respectively.
The high number of cases of PM10-related respiratory and cardiovascular diseases can be the result of high PM10 concentration in Isfahan for consecutive days.