Abstract

Background: Among ambient air pollutants, particulate matter (PM) has the most undesired adverse effects on human health. Many studies have reported that there is a strong correlation between PM concentrations and hospital admissions due to chronic or acute respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Objectives: The aims of this study were to evaluate the relationship between air quality and health endpoints of PM10 in Khorramabad, Iran. Materials and Methods: The PM10 sampling was carried out with a high-volume sampler at a flow rate of 1.1-1.4 m(3)/min from January through December 2014. Meteorological data was also collected and evaluated. The total mortality and morbidity rates were calculated using the AirQ2.2.3 software model. Results: The highest concentrations of PM10 were obtained in July, with the mean concentration of 136.48 mu g/m(3). Eastern and southeastern winds are the prevailing and semi-prevailing winds in Khorramabad. The worst air quality was also observed in July. The total mortality rate during the study was estimated to be 320 persons. Conclusions: In order to diminish the health impacts of particulate matter in Khorramabad, health training for the public, especially for persons with chronic lung and heart diseases, the elderly, and children, should be conducted by health systems to encourage them to reduce their activities during dusty days.