Quantifying the health impact of PM 2.5 using the AirQ model in the metropolitan Isfahan, Iran, in 2018-2019

Abstract

Abstract Purpose The Middle East Dust Storms (MEDS) phenomenon has been causing issues in many Iranian cities including Isfahan, as a result, the air quality in those cities has deteriorated over the recent years. The purpose of this study is to quantify the health impacts of PM2.5 on human health by applying the AirQ model approach in the metropolis of Isfahan during 2017–2018. Methods This study used AirQ 2.2.3 model software to evaluate the human health effects of PM2.5 for residents of Isfahan. Results The average annual concentration of PM2.5 was 31 µg/m3 and 26 µg/m3 during 2018 and 2019 years. The attributable proportion (AP) of total mortality attributable to PM2.5 was predicted to be 3.11% and 2.37% (95% confidence interval (CI)) of the total mortality, and the cases of excessive deaths were estimated to be 339.7 and 264.4 persons, respectively. These estimates were based on the resolved baseline incidence (BI) and relative risk (RR) rate. Conclusion This study offers extra information for decision-making in the formulation of plans to diminish indoor air pollution, which will enhance the quality of the air.