The relationship between dust storm pollution concentration and burden of hospital admissions for respiratory and heart diseases in hospitals of Kermanshah city in 2011

Background: In recent years, dust has been the major problem in Kermanshah climate. The dust causes undesirable environmental and health consequences. This study investigated the relationship between the dust concentrations and burden of hospital admissions for respiratory and heart diseases in hospitals of Kermanshah city in 2011.

Methods: The study was a cross-sectional and descriptive-analytical one which was carried out in 2011. The dust concentrations were automatically measured in three stations based on beta-ray absorption. Cardiopulmonary patients with international codes J06-J70 and I10-I25, related to air pollution were collected from four hospitals in Kermanshah city. Data were analysed using Kruskal-Wallis Linear and nonlinear regressions.

Results: The results indicated that higher and lower concentrations for PM10 occurred in spring and autumn, respectively. The highest 24-hour average PM10 concentration was in March (1953g/m3). The maximum rates of hospital admissions for respiratory problems were in spring and the minimum rates were in winter. The maximum rates of hospital admission by patients with heart problems were in summer and the minimum rates were in autumn. The number of male was higher than female patients. The relationship between the rate of heart and respiratory patients admitted in hospitals and the concentration of dust was significant) P<0.001(.

Conclusion: Results showed that the dust storm pollution of Kermanshah may be caused more people to be admitted in hospitals, and increased the risk of cardiopulmonary diseases. Therefore, preparatory steps, outfit and equipping hospital and health systems seem to be very necessary to decrease the dust effects.