HEALTH IMPACTS OF NO2 IN MASHHAD, IRAN

Introduction: Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a by-product of high-temperature fossil fuel combustion. There is a strong correlation between elevated NO2 concentration and increased mortality and morbidity. Air-Q 2.2.3 model developed by WHO was used for the first time in the present study to evaluate the human communities’ health risk as a result of NO2 exposure in Mashhad, in 2012. Materials and methods: Air-Q 2.2.3 developed by WHO was used for the first time in this study to calculate the risk on human communities as a result of NO2 exposure in Mashhad during 2012. Results: The concentration-response coefficient was 1.14% (95% CI 0.62–1.67%) per 10 μg/m3 increase in NO2 concentration. The study also showed that nearly 3.2% of total cardiovascular deaths, heart attacks, and hospital admissions for chronic obstructive pulmonary were related to NO2 exposure to concentrations beyond 30 μg/m3. Conclusions: The results showed that there is significant correlation between human mortality and air. This assessment estimates the public-health impacts of current patterns of air pollution. Although individual health risks of air pollution are relatively small the public-health consequences are considerable.. Our results, which have also been used for economic valuation, should guide decisions on the assessment of environmental health-policy options.