Showing 66 results for Health
Alireza Zarasvandi, Maryam Delphi, Nadia Azizi, Fatima Rastmanesh, Gazelle Zarasvandi,
Volume 16, Issue 3 (12-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objective: During the last few decades, heavy metal pollution in indoor dust has been widely studied; While, the quality of the environment inside the cars has not been considered enough. Therefore, the specific objectives of this study generally include investigating the levels of selected heavy metals in the dust of private cars collected from Ahvaz city, as well as evaluating the health risk of carcinogenesis and exposure to the dust inside these cars through ingestion, inhalation, and skin absorption.
Materials and Methods: 10 cars were selected for this study. The condition of choosing the cars was not to wash the car for a week. Then, samples were collected and coded from the dust of the air conditioner filter and the cabin of each car. To determine the composition of heavy metals, spectroscopic analysis (ICP) was performed on the samples.
Results: The study of non-carcinogenic risk index (HI) in the present study indicates that the values of more than 1 and the health risk is high. The sequence of HI index values for heavy metals was obtained as Pb>Cu>Cr> Fe> Zn> Cd> Ni. Evaluated risks from different pathways in children was HQing < HQinhder while in adults follows HQingder< HQinh process. Additionally, the values of enrichment factor of the studied samples showed the maximum and minimum values for Cu (4.3) and Ni (8.3), the maximum and minimum geoaccumulation index for Fe (12.75) and Ni (1.9) and the amount of integrated pollution and pollution index were estimated to be 1.34+E27 and 2.07+E9, respectively, indicating the average range for the studied heavy metals.
Conclusion: According to this study, the risk of non-carcinogenic risk of heavy metals (except Fe and Cu) for children is estimated to be higher than that of adults. Furthermore, the investigation of the CR index for the three carcinogenic heavy metals (cadmium, chromium, and arsenic) has exceeded the safe level, which indicates ingestion and inhale as the target pathways for the worst adverse effects of heavy metals in children andadults, respectively. In the present study, the amount of heavy metals studied is more than the set standards. The results of the current study showedthe more enrichment of heavy metals in the car filter as compared with the cabin.
Zabihollah Yousefi, Adel Naderi, Seyed Noureddin Mousavi Nasab, Samaneh Dehghan,
Volume 16, Issue 3 (12-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objective: The high risk of Sars-CoV-2 infection in dental centers is a serious problem for doctors and patients. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the environmental health measures related to corona disease in the dental offices of Sari city during the COVID-19 epidemic in 2021.
Materials and Methods: The present study is descriptive and cross-sectional, and the tool used in it is a researcher-made questionnaire collected with the cooperation of the personnel working in 100 active dental service centers in Sari. to determine content validity, two qualitative and quantitative -qualitative methods were used. The qualitative content validity of this questionnaire was confirmed by 8 environmental health experts. Cronbach's alpha was used to determine the reliability of the questionnaire. Data analysis was done using SPSS software V. 25.
Results: Based on the results of this study, personal protective equipment was used continuously in 100% of the centers. In 93% of the centers, sodium hypochlorite and formaldehyde were used to disinfect the equipment, and in 94% of the cases, the frequency of disinfection of the equipment was after each patient. Disinfection of toilets was done daily in 62% of the centers and every two days in the rest. In 72% of the examined dental centers, had no local hood installed or turned on above the units, but in 92% of the offices, there was proper ventilation of public spaces. In addition, according to the results, in 99% of clinics, waste management was carried out in accordance with national laws and regulations and based on the rules and methods of the executive management of medical waste and related waste and related instructions, and also in 100% of clinics, water consumption was healthy and desirable.
Conclusion: Overall, environmental health measures in dental offices were at an optimal level in most cases and in accordance with the instructions of the Ministry of Health. Not installing a hood or not turning it on above the units and improper ventilation of the dentist's office were the most critical problems of the centers, which need to be given more attention and corrective measures should be taken according to the instructions of the Ministry of Health.
Ahmad Jonidi Jafari, Davarkhah Rabbani, Samaneh Bagheri Arani, Ehsan Zarei, Mohsen Hosami Arani,
Volume 16, Issue 4 (3-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Compliance with the principles of environmental health is of particular importance in any gathering ceremony. This issue needs more attention in the Muharram and Safar mourning ceremonies due to the position of health in Islam and the presence of different populations in this ceremony. Based on this, the present study was conducted with the aim of environmental health management during Muharram and Safar days using the Analytic Hierarchy Process.
Materials and Methods: According to the main purpose of the study, a literature review was done. Then, a team of experts was formed and criteria, sub-criteria and programs related to the purpose of the study were determined by brainstorming, and the relevant questionnaire was prepared and after completion by 25 experts, the relevant criteria were prioritized using the Analytic Hierarchy Process.
Results: Based on the weighting with the Analytic Hierarchy Process method, the highest score (0.441) was awarded to the health inspection criteria, and then the administrative coordination criteria(0.186), education (0.182), reporting (0.169) and finally the support and services criterion (0.022) were prioritized.
Conclusion: The results of the study indicate the emphasis on environmental health management during the Muharram and Safar mourning ceremonies from the point of view of experts, that compliance with the three principles of health inspection, administrative coordination and continuous training has the particular importance.
Zahra Moavi, Khoshnaz Payandeh, Mehrnosh Tadayoni,
Volume 17, Issue 1 (6-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Heavy metals are dangerous pollutants in the environment that accumulate in food. This research was conducted with the aim of evaluating the health risks and contamination of some heavy metals in lettuce and cabbage in the cities of Hamidieh, Dezful and Ramhormoz in Khuzestan province.
Materials and Methods: The sampling was completely random, with three repetitions, and 15 samples of each of the lettuce and cabbage vegetables grown in each region were prepared. Heavy metals were measured using the Perkin Elmer 4100 atomic absorption device. Heavy metal risk assessment was conducted using soil pollution indicators and health risk assessment method.
Results: The highest amount of metal in cabbage is related to zinc (5.84±0.15 mg/kg), while the lowest amounts of chromium metal in lettuce (0.11±0.005 mg/kg) was achieved. Based on the daily absorption of heavy metals in lettuce and cabbage products, the results showed that the highest hazard index (HQ) values, related to lead metal in cabbage for children and adults, were 3.9376 and 3.4253, respectively, compared to other heavy metals. The highest value of the carcinogenicity index in children was 0.0133 for cabbage consumption. The carcinogenic index of chromium metal in lettuce and cabbage products had the lowest values (0.0003 and 0.0004). Regarding the metal enrichment factor, lead, chromium, copper and cobalt were higher in the agricultural soils of Ramhormoz compared to other regions, while nickel and zinc were higher in the soils of Hamidiyeh than in Dezful and Ramhormoz. The soil index of accumulation of chromium, zinc and copper in the soil of Dezful agricultural fields was higher, whereas lead and cobalt were higher in Hamidiyeh soils than in Dezful and Ramhormoz. Additionally, nickel was higher in Ramhormoz agricultural fields.
Conclusion: According to the soil pollution indicators, cobalt metal played an important role in the soil pollution in Dezful, Hamidiyeh and Ramhormoz, while the metals lead, nickel, chromium, copper and zinc showed minimal pollution levels in the soil of the studied areas. The health risk assessment of soil heavy metals showed that the risk index for lead, nickel, chromium, copper, zinc and cobalt was lower than 1. Additionally, the carcinogenicity index of heavy metals for both adults and children was less than 10-4. The health risk assessment of heavy metals and their risk index showed that the consumption of lettuce and cabbage in these areas can lead to various health problems in people.
Safieh Hassanzad, Hossein Pirkharrati, Masoumeh Ahangari, Farrokh Asadzadeh,
Volume 17, Issue 1 (6-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objective: One of the significant challenges in mining areas is the pollution of the environment by heavy metals. Therefore, it is crucial to assess the pollution risk associated with mining wastes and take action to mitigate their environmental impact. The current study assessed the risk potential of recently deposited tailings in the Songun copper mining area.
Materials and Methods: Based on the conditions of tailings, 26 samples were randomly selected from the recently deposited mine wastes. Twenty-two thin and thin polished sections were prepared for lithology and mineralogy studies. Inductively-Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) was employed to analyze all 26 samples, while X-ray diffraction method (XRD) was used to analyze a subset of 10 samples.
Results: Sulfide minerals, as the main source of environmental pollution, remain intact and unaffected in the tailings. However, the majority of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) exhibit higher concentrations in the waste composition than the standard levels, resulting in a total ecological risk index of 49.93. Geochemical indicators highlight significant pollution levels for elements such as lead (Pb), arsenic (As), and copper (Cu). The values of the non-carcinogenic risk index for children (except As and Fe) and adults are lower than 1, indicating a non-significant non-carcinogenic health risk. However, the carcinogenicity index also indicates a significant carcinogenic risk in the case of long exposure to wastes, particularly for children.
Conclusion: Therefore, wastes pose a significant environmental risk potential, and due to this risk, proper management of their storage is necessary to prevent the release of PTEs into the environment.
Mohammad Mosaferi, Jafar Yahyazadeh, Yusef Mohammadian, Farzaneh Moshtaghi,
Volume 17, Issue 2 (9-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objective: The use of pesticides poses serious risks to the health of living organisms. Knowing the type and amount of pesticide use can provide a good information base for managing potential risks from pesticide consumption. This study was carried out with the main objective of determining the types and amounts of pesticides used on agricultural land in East Azarbaijan Province in 2021.
Materials and Methods: Information about the pesticides have been gathered and analyzed by referring to the Agricultural Jihad Organization and other relevant authorities. Calculations related to the amount of pesticides used per unit area were made using the total area of agricultural lands in the province.
Results: Considering the frequency, 403 kinds of pesticides are used in the following order: Herbicides > Insecticides > Fungicides > Acaricides > Others > Disinfectants. Consdidering total consumption of 2873730 kg pesticides, the order based on the amount is: Insecticides > Herbicide > Fungicides > Miscellaneous > Acaricides and Disinfectants based on the amount. The total ratio of pesticides used to pesticides distributed through the official (government) channel is 2.51. The minimum, maximum, and mean consumption values in counties are 0.4, 21.4, and 4.21 ± 5.33 kg/ha, respectively, and for province is 2.38 kg/ha. There is a correlation between the amount of pesticide applied and the number of farmers and traders.
Conclusion: The consumption of pesticides in the province is higher than the world average. Appropriate management of pesticides is required from the viewpoints of environment and health protection.
Nasibeh Zanjari, Parisa Mollaei,
Volume 17, Issue 2 (9-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Rapid aging and climate change are two major global challenges of the 21st century. This study was conducted to identify the effects of climate change on the health of older adults.
Materials and Methods: This systematic review was conducted by comprehensively searching the Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science electronic databases using the keywords elderly, aging, older people, health, and climate change, in English. Articles from 2014 to February 2023 following the PRISMA checklist were examined. Studies were included if they were published in English, had full text available, and focused on a population of people over 60 years old. Simulated studies were excluded.
Results: The quality of these studies was reported to be moderate to good according to the STROBE checklist. The results showed that climate change negatively impacts the physical, mental and social health of the elderly. It causes an increase in the prevalence of cardiovascular, kidney, and respiratory diseases, as well as depression. Additionally, it leads to a reduction in daily activities, an increase in hospitalization rates and higher mortality. Among various climate changes, the increase in temperature poses the greatest to the health of older adults.
Conclusion: Climate changes, particularly the rise in temperature, have the most significant negative impact on the physical health of older adults. Therefore, there is a pressing need for increased focus on environmental sustainability, the development of public health intervention policies, and the implementation of adaptive strategies to mitigate the effects of extreme temperatures for older adults.
Ali Hamidi, Maryam Ravanipour, Masoumeh Ravanipour,
Volume 17, Issue 2 (9-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Scientometrics is used to identify existing study gaps, discover the future research directions, investigate fundamental trends and implement the necessary policies in a specific field of knowledge. Considering the key role of environmental factors in the health trends and the varyingburden of diseases in the country, this study was conducted with the aim of performing scientometric analysis of the role of environmental health in the prevention and control of diseases related to environmental factors in Iran.
Materials and Methods: Bibliographic information related to scientific documents indexed in the Web of Science database until September 12, 2022, was analyzed and visualized using Citespace and Biblioshiny software.
Results: A total of 1,212 documents were retrieved. These documents were published in 629 sources with the participation of 8,461 authors. The average publication year of the documents was 2010. The top three ranks of organizational affiliations were as follows: Tehran University of Medical Sciences (747 documents), Isfahan University of Medical Sciences (436 documents), and Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (393 documents). Iran's cooperation network with other countries indicates substantial joint researchbetween Iran and the main countries in this network. Over time, the co-occurrence network of keywords has evolved from outcomes (such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, etc.) to environmental exposure factors, especially air pollutants, heavy metals, and food-borne pathogens factors. Risk assessment has also been a category of interest in recent years.
Conclusion: Scientometric analysis showed that environmental health studies in prevention and control of diseases related to environmental factors in Iran are young and still progressing. In the early years, studies were mainly focused on diseases as an outcome, while in recent years, they have focused more on exposure factors or environmental pathogens. It is suggested that the future studies based on the retrieved keywords should be more mission-oriented and the priority of solving the problems of environmental pollutants affecting people's health in the country based on the extent and scope of the problems of each province should be considered by policy makers and researchers.
Hassan Malvandi,
Volume 17, Issue 2 (9-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objective: The presence of toxic mercury in fish has caused global concern, as one of the main ways of humans are exposed to it is through fish consumption. Therefore, the main goal on this research was to determine the concentration of mercury in fish and evaluate the health risk to consumers.
Materials and Methods: Samples of pike, common perch, European perch, common carp and goldfish were collected from Anzali wetland. Mercury concentration was measured using a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer. Differences in mercury concentration among the species and the comparison of mercury concentration with the standards were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and one sample t-test, respectively.
Results: The average concentrations of mercury for pike, common perch, European perch, common carp and goldfish were 59.59, 67.55, 30.45, 9.84, and 10.44 µg/kg ww, respectively. The results showed significant differences in mercury concentrations among different species. The concentrations of mercury in all samples were below the permissible limits of international standards (300 and 500 µg/kg dw), and the HQ index values were less than 1. Therefore, the results indicated no potential risk to consumer health. Additionally, the consumption of European perch, common carp and goldfish is considered safe for sensitive people (children and pregnant women).
Conclusion: In general, there was no potential concern regarding mercury exposure from consuming the studied fish species.
Adel Sheykhan, Gholamreza Moussavi, Mohsen Heidari,
Volume 17, Issue 3 (12-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objective: The air quality index (AQI) does not account the interaction of multiple pollutants, meaning the high concentration and health risk of one pollutant may amplify the effects of others. The main aim of this study was to characterize the ambient air quality of Arak by assessing the combined effects and health risks associated with criteria air pollutants.
Materials and Methods: This study evaluated the ambient air quality of Arak for the year 1401 on the Persian Calendar, using the concentrations of criteria air pollutants averaged over appropriate timeframes. Additionally, the AQI, aggregate air quality index (AAQI), and health risk-based air quality index (HAQI) were calculated.
Results: Findings showed that the 1-hour concentrations of NO2, SO2, PM10, and PM2.5 exceeded national standards in 0.05%, 0.2%, 12.1%, and 35.5% of hours, respectively. The AQI, AAQI and HAQI values were above 100 in 54.4%, 77.3%, and 56.2% of hours, respectively. PM2.5 was the major pollutant in over 99% of cases.
Conclusion: The results indicated that AAQI and HAQI, in comparison to AQI, characterized the air quality as more polluted. This stricter assessment by AAQI and HAQI may encourage more precautionary measures by authorities and the public. Thus, it is recommended that the decision-makers in Iran’s air quality monitoring in consider adopting these indices.
Hassan Malvandi,
Volume 17, Issue 3 (12-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Dust particles in urban environments are often contaminated with heavy metals, posing significant health risks, particularly to children. Schools are one of the environments where children are exposed to dust particles. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the concentration of heavy metals in the dust collected from Mashhad schools and to assess the associated health risks.
Materials and Methods: Dust samples were collected from 27 schools in the fall of 2022 using a brush. The values of various indices were estimated, including the geoaccumulation index (Igeo), contamination factor (CF), pollution load index (PLI), enrichment index (EF), potential ecological risk index (PERI), and health risk indices such as hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI).
Results: The average concentrations of cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), calcium (Ca), aluminum (Al), lead (Pb), and barium (Ba) were 9.63, 18538.58, 84017.79, 11270.42, 32.07 and 111.56 µg/g, respectively. The Igeo values ranged from -3.69 to 1.51, while the CF values ranged from 0.16 to 4.26. The results of the pollution indices indicated that most of the studied elements were at the first level of pollution, suggesting that the degree of pollution was negligible or low. Additionally, the HQ and HI values were both less than 1.
Conclusion: Overall, the concentrations of the studied elements were not a concern, remaining at uncontaminated levels, and there was no potential health risk associated with exposure to these elements.
Jawad Kadhim Noor, Atefeh Chamani, Ahmed Najm Abdallh Al-Mosawy, Narges Kargari,
Volume 17, Issue 3 (12-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objective: The pollution of trace elements in urban soil has attracted wide attention due to its detrimental environmental and health effects. Therefore, this research was conducted to evaluate of the content, pollution levels, and health risks associated with trace elements (Fe, Zn, Pb, Cd, Cu, Mn, and Mo) in the surface soil of Al-Qasim City in Babylon Governate in 2024.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study involved, a total of 50 surface soil samples from a depth of 0-20 cm. The elemental content of the samples was determined using inductively coupled plasma optical spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Additionally,, the enrichment factor (EF), pollution index (PI), pollution load index (PLI), hazard index (HI), and carcinogenic risk (CR) were calculated. Statistical data analyses were done using SPSS software.
Results: The average concentrations of Fe, Zn, Cd, Cu, Mn, and Mo in the soil were 27240, 62.7, 0.302, 33.8, 570 and 0.999 mg/kg, respectively. The highest average concentrations of Fe (30,331 mg/kg), Cu (37.3 mg/kg), Mn (639 mg/kg), and Mo (1.08 mg/kg) were found in downtown areasm whilefor the highest concentrations of Zn (65.3 mg/kg) and Cd (0.332 mg/kg) were observed in rural and midtown areas.
Conclusion: The results of this research demonstrate the impact of urban activities—such astraffic, industry, and agriculture—on the trace element pollution in the soil of Al-Qasim City. Therefore, regular monitoring of trace element concentrations and identification of their pollution sources are recommended to reduce and manage associated environmental and health risks.
Alireza Mesdaghinia, Kamran Bagheri Lankarani, Kazem Naddafi, Mohammad Sadegh Hassanvand, Mohammad Paeezi, Reza Saeedi,
Volume 17, Issue 4 (3-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: The use of chemical pesticides is essential for integrated pest management; however, their improper application can lead to significant health and environmental consequences. This study aimed to develop an advocacy document for managing pesticide residues in agricultural products in the country, supported by the Academy of Medical Sciences of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Materials and Methods: The study comprised the following steps: (1) formation of a committee to develop the advocacy document, (2) assessment of pesticide residue levels in agricultural products, (3) evaluation of the management of pesticide residues in the country, (4) drafting the advocacy document, and (5) proposing executive recommendations to improve the current situation.
Results: The systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that approximately 19% of agricultural products in the country exceeded the maximum residue level (MRL) set by the Codex Alimentarius Commission, a relatively high rate compared to other countries. While existing laws and regulations provided a clear framework for pesticide residue management and outlined stakeholder responsibilities, there was insufficient allocation of resources and support for policymakers, executives, beneficiaries, and the general public. The advocacy document identified stakeholder roles and defined five goals to enhance stakeholder engagement and foster intersectoral collaboration. The five key recommendations to improve the current situation were: (1) clarifying the current status of pesticide residue management, (2) setting quantitative goals for programs, (3) ensuring adequate budget and resource allocation, (4) leveraging expert opinions effectively, and (5) improving the performance of beneficiaries.
Conclusion: To ensure the implementation of these recommendations and achieve the goals outlined in this document, it is recommended to establish an advocacy committee on pesticide residue management in agricultural products. This committee should include representatives from all responsible organizations within the Ministry of Health, Treatment, and Medical Education.
Ehsan Aghayani, Azizallah Dehghan, Navid Alinejad, Malihe Amiri,
Volume 17, Issue 4 (3-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Monitoring pesticide concentrations in drinking water resources is crucial for enhancing water quality and public health. Therefore, periodic assessments of pesticide levels in these resources are essential to safeguard consumer health.
Materials and Methods: This study aimed to assess the concentrations of six pesticides—malathion, diazinon, glyphosate, paraquat, deltamethrin, and cypermethrin—in agricultural water resources as well as in urban and rural water distribution networks in Fasa city in 2023. Pesticide levels were monitored in 25 drinking water samples and 6 agricultural water samples.
Results: The results show that pesticide concentrations are higher in agricultural water compared to drinking water and distribution networks. Specifically, the concentrations of malathion and diazinon in agricultural water resources are significantly higher than in drinking water, with levels potentially up to eight times greater. The total risk index for samples from agricultural water sources ranges from 0.89 to 1.36, indicating a comparable risk to that of drinking water.
Conclusion: The health risk assessment of malathion, diazinon, glyphosate, paraquat, deltamethrin, and cypermethrin in drinking water resources suggests no immediate threat to public health. However, due to the elevated pesticide levels in agricultural water resources, ongoing monitoring of water sources near agricultural areas is recommended.
Zahra Nasiri, Kazem Naddafi, Ali Ahmadi Orkomi, Mohammad Sadegh Hassanvand, Sasan Faridi,
Volume 17, Issue 4 (3-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: The present study was designed to investigate the spatial and temporal (hourly, daily, monthly, and seasonal) variations in ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations in Tehran from 21 March, 2023, to 19 March, 2024, and estimate the number of premature deaths attributable to PM2.5.
Materials and Methods: Hourly PM2.5 data were obtained from 41 air quality monitoring stations across Tehran. Subsequently, 29 validated stations were identified for assessing spatial changes in pollutant concentrations and estimating the associated health effects. The latest version of the AirQ+ software (version 2.2.4) was employed to estimate health impacts attributable to PM2.5. Additionally, updated baseline data and the population of Tehran were used to assess the health effects of air pollution.
Results: The annual average concentration of ambient PM2.5 in Tehran over the study period was approximately 32 µg/m³ for the entire city. At validated monitoring stations and across neighborhoods, the concentrations ranged from 20.8–47.5 µg/m³ and 22.2–46.3 µg/m³, respectively. These levels were approximately 4 to 9 times higher than the World Health Organization's (WHO) annual air quality guidelines and 2 to 4 times higher than the NAAQS. The number of deaths attributable to long-term exposure to ambient PM2.5 in adults aged 30 and above in Tehran during the study period was estimated to be 9,321 (95% confidence interval: 7,232–10,313) for concentrations exceeding 5 µg/m³.
Conclusion: The results of this study highlight that ambient PM2.5 concentrations in Tehran over the study period consistently exceeded the WHO air quality guideline and the NAAQS. Furthermore, a comparison of pollutant concentrations across all validated monitoring stations and neighborhoods reveals that residents in all parts of Tehran experienced poor air quality. However, concentrations were significantly higher in some areas, particularly the central and southern parts of the city, compared to the northern regions.
Somayeh Alizadeh Attar, Alireza Pardakhti, Khosrow Ashrafi, Mohammad Sadegh Hassanvand,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (5-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Black carbon is a byproduct of the incomplete combustion of fossil and biomass fuels. Long-term exposure to black carbon has been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer and cardiovascular diseases. This study aims to evaluate the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks associated with black carbon exposure in the ambient air of Tehran.
Materials and Methods: Hourly black carbon concentrations were collected from the air quality monitoring stations operated by Tehran's Air Quality Control Company and averaged to calculate annual means for 2021, 2022, and 2023. The risk assessment for black carbon exposure in Tehran was conducted using the US EPA model.
Results: The findings reveal that in Tehran, the carcinogenic risk index (CR) due to black carbon exposure in ambient air is higher for adults than for children. The non-carcinogenic risk quotient (HQ) for both age groups remains below the threshold value of one, indicating a low and negligible non-carcinogenic risk. However, children demonstrate a higher HQ compared to adults. The lifetime cancer risk associated with black carbon exposure is calculated to be 1.4 × 10-3, while the annual cancer risk is estimated at 0.02 × 10-3.
Conclusion: The results indicate that the carcinogenic risks associated with black carbon exposure exceed acceptable levels for both adults and children. Adults face a cancer risk six times greater than children, though the non-carcinogenic risk is assessed as low. Reducing black carbon emissions is critical for improving public health in traffic-congested cities, and further research on this topic is strongly recommended.
Farzane Shahbazi, Tayebeh Rasolevandi, Hossein Azarpira,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (5-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Regular assessment of confectionery workshops and comparison of their conditions with health standards can enhance the sanitary quality of products. This study aimed to evaluate the environmental health status of confectionery workshops in Saveh in 2022.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional analytical study, the environmental hygiene status of all confectionery workshops in Saveh was evaluated using a researcher-designed, validated, and reliable checklist comprising 51 questions tailored for COVID-19 conditions, based on Step 2 guidelines for combating the virus. A total of 36 confectionery workshops were assessed, and responses to the questions were recorded as "Yes," "No," or "Not Applicable." Data were analyzed using independent samples t-tests and one-way ANOVA in SPSS software.
Results: The average health compliance in Saveh’s confectionery workshops was 61% for personal hygiene, 68% for food hygiene, 60% for tool and equipment hygiene, 55% for building hygiene, and 74% for hygiene education. Significant relationships were found between areas such as building hygiene, food hygiene, and hygiene education, and workshop characteristics such as building size, sales volume, production scale, and worker age and experience (p < 0.05). However, no significant relationship was observed between the number of refrigerators and the hygiene of tools and equipment (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that the overall health status of confectionery workshops in Saveh was relatively favorable. However, the building hygiene variable (55%) had the lowest level of compliance among the investigated factors, highlighting an area that requires attention.
Mohammad Hossein Ghaderi, Azad Teimori, Majid Askari Hesni,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Given the negative effects of heavy metals and their transmission to humans through the food chain, the present study was conducted to assess the concentration of heavy metals—including Fe, Zn, Cd, Pb, Ba, Ni, Cu, V, and As—in the gill, liver, and muscle tissues of the commercial fish Lutjanus ehrenbergii.
Material and Methods: Thirty fish were collected from coral habitats around Hengam Island in 2022 using nets or hooks. After identification and bioassay, the liver, gill, and muscle tissues were dissected from each specimen and analyzed for heavy metal concentrations via ICP-MS.
Results: Biometric analysis showed the average standard length, total length, and weight of the studied fish to be 23.3 ± 1.4 cm, 27.8 ± 2.7 cm, and 470.3 ± 18.9 g, respectively. Among the studied elements, Fe had the highest mean concentration in the gill (327.41 µg/g) and liver (136.10 µg/g) tissues. In muscle tissue, Zn showed the highest mean concentration (2.68 µg/g), while Ni showed the lowest accumulation. The mean Pb concentrations detected in the gill, liver, and muscle tissues were 1.38, 1.35, and 0.46 µg/g, respectively.
Conclusion: The Pb concentration in the muscle, which is the main nutritional tissue, was 0.46 µg/g. This value is higher than the limits set by international standards such as the WHO. Therefore, from a health perspective, it is not recommended to consume commercial fish contaminated with heavy metals. While continuous monitoring can provide information on contamination status, the consumption of Lutjanus ehrenbergii caught around Hengam Island should be done with caution.
Abdolrahman Gharanjic, Ramazan Ali Dianati Tilaki, Samaneh Dehghan, Abutaleb Bay, Fathollah Gholami-Borujeni,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Proper operation and maintenance of hospital waste sterilization devices are crucial for preventing the spread of infections and hazardous diseases, as well as for safeguarding public health and the environment. This study aims to assess the operational and maintenance status of medical waste sterilization devices in public and private hospitals in Golestan Province.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted in 17 public and 6 private hospitals in Golestan Province, all of which were equipped with vacuum steam autoclaves (without shredders) for medical waste sterilization. Monthly microbiological sampling was performed by an accredited environmental laboratory. Data were collected using standardized questionnaires and personal interviews, with results analyzed using frequency distributions, percentages, and central tendency measures.
Results: The overall microbial sterilization performance of the devices was 97.07%, indicating high efficacy in waste treatment. When comparing hospital types, public hospitals demonstrated a 96.93% satisfactory sterilization rate, while private hospitals performed slightly better at 97.22%. Regarding preventive maintenance, compliance was suboptimal, with public hospitals adhering to maintenance protocols 68.62% of the time, compared to 77.77% in private hospitals. Additionally, the sanitary conditions of sterilization device locations met required standards in 94.11% of public hospitals but only 69.05% of private hospitals, suggesting variability in facility upkeep.
Conclusion: To ensure device effectiveness and minimize risks in hospital waste management, implementing preventive maintenance programs and providing continuous staff training on proper device use are essential.
Mohadeseh Bodaghi, Tayebeh Rasolevandi, Hossein Azarpira,
Volume 18, Issue 4 (3-2026)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Parasitic infections are major public health challenges in children, particularly in group settings such as kindergartens, where conditions for transmission are more favorable. Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm) is one of the most common causes of intestinal infections in this age group. This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of Enterobius infection and associated factors in kindergartens across Iran.
Materials and Methods: In this systematic review, articles published up to the end of January 2025 were retrieved from the following databases: Google Scholar, SID, Magiran, Irandoc, Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus using the keywords: “Enterobiasis,” “Enterobius vermicularis,” “Oxyuriasis,” “Oxyur,” “Intestinal infection,” “Intestinal parasite,” “Prevalence,” “Children,” “Elementary schools,” “Preschool centers,” “Kindergarten,” and “Iran.” Out of a total of 1116 identified articles, 707 were excluded after reviewing the title and abstract, and 333 were removed due to duplication. Ultimately, 76 articles were selected for full-text evaluation, from which 24 studies related to the prevalence of Enterobius in Iranian kindergartens were included in the final analysis.
Results: Of the 24 studies reviewed, 23 were conducted using questionnaires, and one study utilized interviews. The total sample size across these studies was 13.567 children, and the average prevalence of Enterobius infection was estimated at 14.90 percentage.
Conclusion: Despite relative improvements in hygiene conditions, the prevalence of Enterobius infection in some kindergartens remains concerning. The role of active transmission pathways and their association with children's demographic factors highlights the importance of timely identification and intervention. Implementing targeted educational programs for parents and kindergarten staff, along with coordinated preventive measures, is essential to control the spread of this parasite.
