Impact of airborne dust abundance on number of hospital admissions for respiratory diseases in Sistan region

Respiratory diseases are the most important results of intensifying desertification and increasing dust storm events in the world. The aim of this study is investigation of airborne dust abundances impact on changes in number of respiratory patients admitted to hospitals in Sistan region. Airborne dust were collected by using the Siphon sand and dust samplers during early April until late September in the 5 urban area in Sistan region. Respiratory patients information was collected from four hospitals located onthis area. The results showed the highest and lowest average abundances of airborne dust deposits were in Hirmand city (4764.15 g/m2) and Hamoun city (790.34 g/m2), respectively. Shohada hospital of Hirmand had the highest number of hospital admission for respiratory diseases (590 patients) and Amir al- Momenin hospital of Zabol (which located between Hamoun and Zabol cities) had the lowest number of hospital admission (187 patients). The results showed the strong impact of airborne dust loading on human health (R2= 0.96; p ≤ 0.01), especially during summer time (dry season) which the dust storms are the most important climate event and Hirmand city is a critical area of airborne dust loading and human health in Sistan region that should be in priority for wind erosion conservation and human health services.

Keywords:

Dust storm , human health , dust loading , Sistan plain