Assessing Health Impact of Air Pollutants in Hilla city, Iraq

Abstract

Any substance that alters the natural properties of the atmosphere, whether it be chemical, physical, or biological, is considered an air pollutant. Air pollution can causes health, economic and environmental damages, etc. This study aims to evaluate the health impact of long-term exposure to particulate matter (PM2.5), as this pollutant is the one that governs air quality. Using the AirQ software and based on the data obtained from the Babylon Environment Directorate . The dust storms that occurred in the spring and summer of 2022 contributed to an increase in the PM_2.5 seasonal concentration to 84 µg/m³. The long-term exposure was evaluated to the pollutant, which causes the following diseases: (Lung cancer , Acute Lower Respiratory Disease , Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary, Ischemic Heart Disease,  and stroke). The results showed that the relative risk increased to 1.376 for lung cancer, 1.534 for ALRI, 1.412 for COPD, 1.399 for IHD, and 1,367 for stroke, the highest risk was recorded for ALRI because children are more susceptible to disease than others. The air quality was moderate at a rate of 45% to unhealthy for sensitive groups at a rate of 31% in 2022 and good at a rate of 28% to moderate at a rate of 45% in 2021.