Particulate Matter Exposure and Mortality in Mashhad, Iran:Health Risk Assessment Using the Air Q plus Model

Air pollution poses significant health risks, especially in urban areaswith high pollutant concentrations. This study investigates the healtheffects of exposure to particulate matter ( ۲.۵ PM and ۱۰ PM ) in Mashhad,Iran, using the Air Q plus model developed by the World HealthOrganization. The results estimate that annual mortality due to۲.۵ PM and ۱۰ PM exposure ranges from ۶,۳۱۳ to ۱۰,۳۷۰ deaths,primarily affecting adults aged ۳۰ years and older from all naturalcauses. Mashhad's unique geography, combined with its densepopulation, exacerbates air pollution problems and underscores the needfor effective mitigation strategies. The study highlights the value ofincorporating local data, such as baseline mortality rates and pollutantlevels, to tailor health impact assessments. The findings underscore theurgency of stricter emission controls, improved public transport andawareness campaigns. These results provide an important resource for policy makers and public health officials to prioritize actions to reduceair pollution and its adverse health effects.

Keywords:

Air Q plus , ۲.۵ PM , ۱۰ PM , health risk.