Mortality and Morbidity Due to Exposure to Ambient NO(2), SO(2), and O(3) in Isfahan in 2013–2014

BACKGROUND: The presence of air pollutants such as CO, NO(2), SO(2), O(3), and PM in the ambient air mainly emitted from fossil fuels combustion has become a major health concern. The aims of this study were to estimate the attribution of NO(2), SO(2), and O(3) in the premature deaths and prevalence of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases in Isfahan in 2013–2014. METHODS: In this study, short-term health effects (total mortality, cardiovascular and respiratory mortality, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and acute myocardial infarction) of exposure NO(2), SO(2), and O(3) on the population of Isfahan were assessed using AirQ 2.2.3 software suggested by the World Health Organization (WHO). RESULTS: The result showed that from nonaccident total mortality in 2013–2014 in Isfahan, the attributable proportion related to NO(2), SO(2), and O(3) were 1.03% (109 cases), 3.46% (365 cases), and 1.29% (136 cases), respectively. The percentage of days that people were exposed to the highest concentration of NO(2) (40–49 μg/m(3)), SO(2) (60–69 μg/m(3)), and O(3) (40–49 μg/m(3)) was 34.46%, 16.85%, and 42.74% of a year, respectively. Total mortality attributed to NO(2), SO(2), and O(3) exposure was 0.36%, 0.79%, and 0.83%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The concentrations of NO(2) and SO(2) were upper than the WHO guidelines. The Air-Q software in spite of its limitations can provide useful information regarding the health outcome of the air pollutants. The results estimated in this study were considerable. This information can help the health authorities and policy makers to draw suitable strategies and fulfill effective emission control programs.