Estimation of Health Effects Attributed to PM10 Exposure in Tabriz, Iran

Air pollution from particulate matters and dust storms is considered one of the most challenging of health problems in our country, nowadays. Most of the epidemiological studies have shown a relationship between health outcomes and airborne particles. The main aim of this study was the assessment of health impacts of PM10 in Tabriz.

In this cross sectional study, PM10 levels were monitored in fixed stations of air monitoring and its adverse health effects were estimated for one year. We applied the approach proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO) using the AirQ2.2.3 software developed by the WHO European Center for Environment and Health on air pollutants in Tabriz.

The results showed that 5.94% (CI 95% 5.02% ; 6.83%) of natural death, 6.39%(CI 95% 4.09%; 13.31%) of cardiovascular death, 9.28% (CI 95% 6.39%; 23.98%) of respiratory death, 7.13% (CI 95% 4.87%; 9.98%) of hospital admissions for cardiovascular disease and 6.39%(CI 95% 3.93%; 8.72%) of hospital admissions for respiratory disease can be attributed to PM10 concentrations over 10 μg/m3.

Based on the output of this model, air pollution due to airborne particles is a serious problem that necessitates attention and preventive measures by authorities and decision-makers.