Health impacts quantification attributed to ambient particulate matter in the nearest Iranian city to the main dust source

Urban air contamination is one of the ten most dangerous parameters for human health, which causes cardiovascular disease, respiratory, metabolic diseases, and decreased lung function. Air Q is a reliable software for studying the impacts of atmospheric contaminants on human health, and today, it is widely used in the environment. The purpose of this research was to quantify the mortality and morbidity rates that corresponded to ambient particulate matter (PM) in Rigan City. To perform this, the Air Q software was used. The findings reflected that the yearly mean values of PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 are 264.83 and 50.45 μg/m³. The findings indicated that the PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 content in Rigan was above standard levels described by WHO. The total number of deaths, cardiovascular deaths, and respiratory deaths due to PM in Rigan were estimated as 70.3, 45.8, and 10.7 persons, respectively. Hospital admissions for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases correlated to PM₁₀ were estimated at 154.2 and 59 persons, respectively. Acute myocardial infarction associated with PM_2.5 was 2.7 persons. Overall, the data in this study may be helpful to national and regional policymakers who are responsible for managing and preventing atmospheric contamination and assessing the costs of health risks.