Measuring Exposures and Assessing Health Effects of PM10 and PM2.5 in Ardabil City in Iran
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Abstract
Introduction: PM2.5 and PM10 are two air pollutants as the perils lurking within our midst. We focused on analyzing their ambient concentrations in Ardabil to determine compliance with regulatory limits and to evaluate the associated health risks, including cancerous and non- cancerous effects, due exposure to these pollutants.
Method: Hourly real-time air quality data from January 2023-October 2024 was acquired from Ardabil Environmental Protection Agency. Beta attenuation monitoring (BAM) technique which allows for the detection of PM10 and PM2.5 is used for detection of that particles in Ardabil air quality monitoring stations.
Results: The daily average concentration of PM2.5 and PM10 exceeded the WHO daily standards (PM2.5= 15 μg/m3, PM10= 45 μg/m3). Comparison of PM2.5 monthly average concentration in different months shows the highest PM2.5 values in November and December in both years. The results show PM2.5 annual average concentration (2023) in present study (18.35 ± 4.13) was more than 2024 annual average concentration (16.55 ± 4.13). Considering the WHO standard for particulate matter annual average concentration (PM2.5 = 5 μg/m3, PM10= 15 μg/m3), the annual average concentration of PM2.5 and PM10 are multiplied (2-3 times) more than the standard. The mean of hazard quotient (HQ) for PM2.5 (3.31) and PM10 (1.14) were > 1, which indicates an unacceptably high risk for human health. Also, the mean of Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk (ELCRs) for PM2.5 in 2023 and 2024 varied from 2.21×10-6 to 67.9×10-6 and from 2.35×10-6 to 67.15×10-6, respectively, which exceeds the limit value set by the USEPA and the WHO.
Conclusion: The results indicate that ambient air may pose a significant risk for exposure to PM10 and PM2.5, potentially elevating the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases among exposed individuals. Consequently, effective control policies are recommended to protect public health in this metropolitan area.
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