Journal of Health Sciences & Surveillance System

Atmospheric Concentrations, Seasonal Variations, and Health Risk Assessment of PM2.5, PM10, and SO2 in Tehran Metropolis, Iran

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Fahimeh Ahmadian 1, 2
Saeed Rajabi 2, 3
Abooalfazl Azhdarpoor 1

1 Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

2 Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

3 Environmental Health Engineering Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

https://doi.org/10.30476/jhsss.2024.100664.1846
Abstract
Background: This study evaluates the seasonal and annual variations of PM₂.₅, PM₁₀, and SO₂ concentrations in Tehran’s ambient air from 2019 to 2021 and assesses their associated health risks.
Methods: Non-carcinogenic health risks were quantified using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) methodology. Sobol sensitivity analysis was conducted in R (version 4.1.2), andArcGIS (version 10.8.1) was used to map the spatial distribution of pollutants.
Results: The annual mean concentrations of PM₂.₅, PM₁₀, and SO₂ ranged from 28.24–32.34 μg/m³, 69.57–82.22 μg/m³, and 14.94–17.98 μg/m³, respectively, exceeding WHO air quality guidelines. PM₂.₅ and SO₂ levels were highest in the west and southwest, while PM₁₀ was most prevalent in the east and northeast. The hazard quotient (HQ) for PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀ exceeded 1 in 8- and 12-hour exposure scenarios, indicating significant health risks. However, the HQ for SO₂ remained below 1 across all exposure durations, suggesting no immediate health threat. At 3-hour exposures, the HQ for PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀ was below 1, underscoring the role of exposure duration in health risks. Sobol sensitivity analysis identified PM₂.₅ concentration as the most influential factor affecting health risk.
Conclusion: The findings highlight the urgent need for regulatory interventions to mitigate PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀ pollution in Tehran, particularly in high-exposure regions. Effective control measures should prioritize reducing emissions to protect public health.

Highlights

Fahimeh Ahmadian (PupMed)

Abooalfazl Azhdarpoor (Google Scholar)

Keywords

Air pollutants
Health risk assessment
Particulate matters
Sulfur dioxide
Sobol sensitivity analysis
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Journal of Health Sciences & Surveillance System
Volume 13, Issue 2
Spring 2025
Pages 161-173

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