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M.a Zazuoli, M Abdi, E Ghahramani, M Ghorbanian,
Volume 2, Issue 3 (11-2009)
Volume 2, Issue 3 (11-2009)
Abstract
Backgrounds and Objectives: The school is the most appropriate place for flourishes children, adolescents and juniors, and prepares safe and vigorous life. Thus, the aim of this research is to study of the hygienic conditions in primary schools in region 1 of Sari city.
Materials and Methods: This article is a descriptive study. In which 45 non-for-profit and governmental schools were sampled using census method. The Fools of sampling was questionnaire filled in during interview with school principals and direct observation. Collected information was analyzed using "Excell" and spss soft wares.
Results: The results of this search showed that %93.4 of schools had dimention smaller than minimum standard. Only in %35.6 of schools, lavatory and drinking places were separate and the quality and quantity of lighting in %32 of. schools were classes proper.
Conclusion: The most important finding of this search was the ignorant of indicators in environmental healthas overlooking of standards, and the schools are merely established on quantity and urgent need despit of their quality.
M Pirsaheb, A Almasi, M Rezaee,
Volume 3, Issue 3 (10-2010)
Volume 3, Issue 3 (10-2010)
Abstract
Backgrounds and Objectives:The food handling employee education program improves food safety. Determining knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) level of workers who prepare, distribute and sale the food products make easy to control food safety. This study aimed to evaluate effects of intensive food safety education course on KAP of food handlers. in Kermanshah.
Materials andMethods: Knowledge, attitude and practice of 370workers of variety of food handling fields were studied before and after educational intervention course.Avalidated questionnaire about knowledge, attitude based on instruction from Ministry of Health and Medical Sciences for food handling was used for data collection. Paired t-test and Χ2 were applied for statistical analysis.
Results: The results showed positive effects of education program on KAP of food handlers. There was significant increase in knowledge marks before and after intervention, 20.5+ 4.03 vs. 23.73 + 3.75 (p<0.001).Attitude and practice of participants were increased significantly before 107.2+14.6 43.93+7.6 compared to after 112.23+14.5 46.11+8 intervention respectively (p<0.001). The most increased mark of KAP was belonged to 21-30 years age group.
Conclusion: Our findings confirm that educational intervention improved KAP of food handlers. To increase food safety, running periodical educational courses for the same filed workers with final exam and providing certificate highly recommended.
I Shakerinia,
Volume 3, Issue 4 (1-2011)
Volume 3, Issue 4 (1-2011)
Abstract
Backgrounds and Objectives:The aim of these research is examining the relation among noise psychological stubbornness and mental health with the life quality of rasht housewives.
Materials and Methods: After measuring the amount of noise in different streets , the researcher chose randomly 50 housewives from noisy streets of Rasht , and completed the study questionnaire. Then they analyzed data with peirson correlation and regression analysis.
Results:Theresultsshowedthat there is significant of perception of noise , psychological stubbornness and mental health with the quality of life. The amount of F parameter of regression analysis at P<0/01 level was significant and 91% of variance among noise with psychological stubbornness, mental health, with the quality of common life. Among the amount of noise, psychological stubbornness and mental health , the noise perception and mental health are able to making clear the quality of housewives&apos life it means that increasing the amount variance of psychological stubbornness to equation wouldn&apost lead to increase significantly.
Conclusion: paying attention to the effectiveness variables like noise and psychological like mental health on quality of life , Societies&apos development and achievement and decreasing social services, present study suggest that all responsible organizations who work about societies&apos health are trying to set their programs forward to promote the quality of the whole society life and do this by decreasin
P Nasiri, M.r Monazam, S Zare, K Azam, Z Yousefi, R Hematjo,
Volume 4, Issue 3 (10-2011)
Volume 4, Issue 3 (10-2011)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: with the developments of technology, contact with various frequencies of electromagnetic fields ( EMF ) has significantly increased, while the abundant benefits of using microwaves in routine life cannot be neglected. During recent years there have been reports of adverse effects caused by contact with electric and magnetic fields of these waves that spread from BTS antennas. The purpose of this study is the measurement of microwaves spreading around BTS antennas in Tehran.
Materials and Methods: according to the location of BTS antennas in Tehran , power density of electromagnetic waves around 63 antennas in near and distant fields in different distances was measured. The measurements were performed using the standard method of IEEE Std C95.1 by Hi-4333 device .in order to analysis data we used spss 16 and descriptive and deductive statistical tests.
Results: results of this study show that in the near field, with increase of distance from the foot of antenna , the average power density of electromagnetic waves increase in a way that in the distance of 10 meters from the antenna foot , the increase of average power density is hardly conceivable and from 10 to 15 meters distance is perfectly noticeable. But in the distant field, with increase of distance from 20 meters, the average power density of the electromagnetic waves decreases and from 100 meter and further, the gradient of the diagram will get almost linear and the rate of power density reaches the base limit in a way that with the increase of distance there would be no significant decrease.
Conclusion: All the measures of power density of electromagnetic waves caused by BTSs are about 0.06% of recommended measures of environmental standards and 0.0000013% of occupational standards. The results of this study are close to the results of other studies.
Gholamreza Goudarzi, Mohamadjavad Mohammadi, Kambiz Ahmadi Angali, Basir Mohammadi, Zahra Soleimani, Aliakbar Babaei, Abdolkazem Neisi, Sahar Geravandi,
Volume 6, Issue 1 (5-2013)
Volume 6, Issue 1 (5-2013)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: According to the WHO estimates, air pollution is accounted for about 800000 premature death of cardiovascular and respiratory disease and lung cancer resulted from air pollution throughout the world approximately 150000 cases of those deaths occur in south Asia. The studies conducting on short-term and long-term effects are reported in terms of admission rate, consulting with a physician, number of a particular disease, death, and years of the lost life (YOLL). We used Air Q2.2.3 (Air Quality Health Impact Assessment) Model to evaluate adverse health effects caused by NO2 exposure in Ahvaz City during 2009. NO2 reacts with ammonia, moisture, and other compounds to form small particles. These small particles penetrate deeply into sensitive parts of the lungs and can cause or worsen respiratory disease, such as emphysema and bronchitis, and can aggravate existing heart disease, leading to increased hospital admissions and premature death.
Materials and Methods: First the data required was collected from Ahvaz Environment Organization and Meteorological Organization. Then, this data were processed by Excel software through correcting temperature and pressure, coding, averaging and filtering. Finally, the data processed were entered to Air Q model. This model is a valid and reliable WHO-proved tool to estimate the potential short term effects of air pollution. This model includes four screen inputs (Supplier, AQ data, Location, Parameter) and two output screens (Table and Graph).
Results: It was found that the Meteorological and Environment Organization stations have had the maximum and minimum NO2 concentration respectively. Moreover, the annual, summer, and winter average and 98cile of this pollutant was 27, 6, 43, and 115 µg/m3 respectively. The cumulative number of myocardial infarction resulted from NO2 exposure was estimated to be nine persons per year. This value for the cardiovascular death was found to be 19 cases. Finally, the COPD cases was estimated to be seven per year.
Conclusion: Air Q software calculated relative risks, attributable proportion, and baseline incidence using data processed by Excel and presents the output as the cause specific deaths. It is noteworthy that there is no model that can estimate all of the pollutants health effects simultaneously. Cumulative number of persons for acute MI attributed to NO2 exposure was 9 in 2009. Moreover, 51% of this number occurred in the days with concentrations lower than 60 µg/m3. It should be noted that 72% of this value are corresponded to the days with concentrations below 90 µg/m3. The total cumulative number of cardiovascular death attributed to exposure with NO2 during one year of monitoring was 19 persons. 60% of these cases have occurred in days with NO2 levels not exceeding 90 µg/m3. Cumulative number of hospital admission of COPD attributed to exposure with NO2 during one year of monitoring was 7 persons.87 % of these cases have occurred in days with NO2 levels not exceeding 110 µg/m3.
Sohrab Delangizan, Zainab Jafari Motlagh,
Volume 6, Issue 1 (5-2013)
Volume 6, Issue 1 (5-2013)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Dust phenomenon has adverse effects on the health of the population.Due to the increasing concentration of Kermanshah dust phenomenon in recent years, The aim of this study was to measure the concentration of the sensitivity coefficients between dust phenomenon hospitalization and mortality rates for heart and respiratory.
Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive study in which we studied the sensitivity coefficient of hospitalization and mortality rates for heart disease and respiratory to changes of dust concentration.. The study duration was during March-September 2010 and 2011. We collected the dust phenomenon data from Kermanshah Province Environmental Protection Department. The admissions and mortality of the cardiovascular and respiratory sufferers was collected from the Imam Ali, Imam Reza, and Imam Khomeini governmental hosiptals in Kermanshah.
Results: 1% increase in air pollution caused by the dust phenomenon will result in increasing about 0.5 % of the respiratory patients, 1% cardiac patients, and about 0.3% of the heart disease mortality. The relationship between dust phenomenon and respiratory sufferers was statistically not significant.
Conclusions: We found that respiratory and cardiovascular hospital admission has a high sensitivity to dust phenomenon. This sensitivity has increased from 2010 to 2011. This sensitivity was greater for males than females. At least, during March-September 2010, for every 100% increase in the concentration of dust phenomenon, cardiovascular mortality increased by 29%.
Farin Fatemi, Hamed Mohammadi, Ali Ardalan, Kazem Naddafi,
Volume 6, Issue 2 (9-2013)
Volume 6, Issue 2 (9-2013)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: On August 2012, two earthquakes measured 6 and 6.2 on the Richter scale took place in Eastern Azerbaijan province. Environmental Health Department is accounted as one of the main units for providing and supervising environmental sanitation services at the emergencies, therefore, the objective of this study was allocated to assess environmental health response performance in recent earthquake. Material and Methods: Through multi-stages stratified sampling, we selected 8 and 4 villages from the earthquake zones of Heris and Varzaghan respectively. The collecting data tools in this research were the WHO checklist in 7 categories, 14 subcategories, and 37 environmental health activities and also the minimum standards of Sphere Project checklist. The status of environmental health in each village was assessed using the mentioned checklists. This study was carried out with attendance of research team in earthquake zones 21 days after the occurrence of earthquake. Results: Among the 37 environmental health activities, 7 activities were the joint ones, which Environmental Health Department had to carry it out with the coordination of other related organizations. In other words, the environmental health has the supervising role in these activities. Totally, such activities had more nonconformities compared with the activities in which environmental health was administered as the main responder. The details of results have been expressed in the full text. Conclusion: Providing intra-sector coordination, prioritizing the needs of the affected population and considering the principles of community based management in the natural disaster are proposed as the recommendations of this study.
Akbar Eslami, Hamzehali Jamali, Shirin Naderi,
Volume 6, Issue 2 (9-2013)
Volume 6, Issue 2 (9-2013)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Water is essential for sustaining life & adequate safe supplies must be accessible to the public. Nowadays, people prefer to purchase bottled water for reasons including taste, convenience, following fashion, and its safety and sanitary conditions. According to the WHO guideline, it is of great importance to control the bottled water because of keeping it for longer period of time and at higher temperature in comparison with the water of distribution networks, reusing containers and bottles without adequate washing and disinfecting, and more growth of microorganisms having less important in the terms of health. The aim of this study was to investigate the microbial and physicochemical quality of bottled water in the stores of Qazvin City and to compare the aforesaid features with national standards and to check the quality with the bottles label.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 51 samples of 11 bottled water brands with different production date were obtained. The features were studied in accordance with Standard Methods. Then, the data were analyzed by T-Test and one way ANOVA analysis using SPSS software. Eventually, the results were compared with the national standards, the WHO guidelines, and the product labels.
Results: Results showed lack of microbial contamination of the samples. Physically and chemically, all the parameters measured were below the national standards level. Study of conformity of the variables to the label indicated that mostly there was a significant difference between the values measured and the values listed on the product labels. Conclusion: Although the concentration of microbial, physical and chemical features of samples were in the extent of national standards, there was a meaningful difference between labels and measured values so that the average concentration of TDS, TH, SO4-2, Ca2+, Mg2+ and Na+ would be more than the label values and the average of the other parameters was lower than the label values.
A Gholampour, R Nabizadeh, M. S. Hassanvand, H Taghipour, S Faridi, A.h. Mahvi,
Volume 7, Issue 4 (1-2015)
Volume 7, Issue 4 (1-2015)
Abstract
Background & Objectives: Determining the impacts of air pollution in cities is facing two major challenges first, the limited data on the health effects of pollutants, and secondly, the lack of information on exposure to air pollutants and their concentration. This is an applied-observational carried out to determine the concentration, seasonal changes, and to estimate the health impacts attributed to the particulate matters in Tabriz during September 2012 to July 2013. Materials and Methods: The particulate matters were sampled using high volume sampler and were analyzed using portable HAZ-DUST EPAM-5000. The health impacts of particulate matterswere estimated using AirQ software developed by W.H.O. Results: The annual mean concentration of TSP, PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 in the urban sampling site were 139, 83, 38, and 27 µg/m3 respectively. In addition, these concentrations were 178, 110, 40, and 27µg/m3 in industrial area. The average of PM10/TSP, PM2.5/PM10, PM1/PM10, and PM1/PM2.5 ratio level was 0.6, 0.48, 0.33, and 0.7 in the urban areas and 0.61, 0.37, 0.28, and 0.77 in the industrial areas respectively. The total mortalities associated with the TSP, PM10, and PM2.5 concentrations were estimated as 327, 363, and 360 respectively. Nevertheless, the calculated cardiovascular mortality for TSP and PM10 were estimated to be 202 and 227 respectively. Conclusion: This research found that the concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 were 73 and 69% more than National Standard and 8 and 5% more than USEPA Standards respectively. In Tabriz, especially industrial area, the soils of surrounding ground and re-suspension of particles fromcontaminated soils have a significant contribution to particulate emissions.
Gh. Goudarzi, S Geravandi, S Saeidimehr, M.j. Mohammadi, M Vosoughi Niri, Sh. Salmanzadeh, K Ahmadi Angali, A.k. Neisi, A.a. Babaei,
Volume 8, Issue 1 (8-2015)
Volume 8, Issue 1 (8-2015)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: According to the estimates of W.H.O., approximately 150000 persons are annually affected by early death of cardiovascular, respiratory disease, and lung cancer resulted from air pollution in south Asia. The short-term and long-term effects are reported as hospital admission, consulting with a physician, number of special disease, death and years of life lost (YOLL). The purpose of this paper is to discuss the effects of PM10 pollution on human health. AirQ 2.2.3 (Air Quality Health Impact Assessment) Model was used to evaluate adverse health effects caused by PM10 exposure in Ahvaz during 2009. Long-term exposure with suspended particulates are expressed as decreasing personal life. The prevalence of bronchitis and reduced lung function in children and adults, even at annual average concentrations of particulate matter below 20 µg/m3 (PM2.5) and 30 µg/m3 (PM10) have been observed. Major sources of emissions resulting from human intervention in particulate matter are road traffic (25-10%), stationary combustion (55-40%), and industrial processes (30-15%). Materials and Methods: First, PM10 data was collected from Ahvaz Environment Protection Organization and Meteorological Organization. Then, raw data were processed by Excel software.. Finally, data processed were inputted to AirQ model. This model proved to be a valid and reliable tool to estimate the potential short-term effects of air pollution. This software is provided by the World Health Organization and is used to quantify the health effects of air pollution. This model consists of four input screens (Supplier, AQ data, Location, Parameter) and two output screens (Table, Graph). Results: The highest and lowest PM10 concentration was reported for Headquarter and Naderi stations respectively. Moreover, the annual, summer, and winter means and 98 decimal of this pollutant in Ahvaz City was measured as 261, 376, 170, and 1268 µg/m3 respectively. Total death toll contributed to PM10 was estimated as 1165 cases in 2009. Conclusion: Using data processing in Excel, AirQ software calculates relative risks, attributable proportion, and baseline incidence and the final output would be displayed in the form of death toll. It is noteworthy that there is no model that can estimate the effect of all pollutants together and simultaneously. In addition, it was found that the annual PM10 emission mean, the summer mean, winter mean, and 98 percentile were 261, 376, 170, and 1268 µg/m3 in Ahvaz City. Cumulative number of persons for total number of deaths attributed to PM10 exposure was 1165 in 2009 Out of which, 44% has occurred in the days with concentrations lower than 250 µg/m3. It should be noted that 62% of this value is corresponded to the days with concentrations below 350 µg/m3. The total cumulative number of cardiovascular death attributed to the exposure with PM10 during one year of monitoring was 612 persons. On the other hand, 52% of these cases have occurred in days with PM10 levels not exceeding 300 µg/m3. Cumulative number of Hospital Admissions Respiratory Disease attributed to exposure with PM10 during one year of monitoring was 1551 persons Out of which, 36 % occurred in days with PM10 levels not exceeding 200 µg/m3.
M Asghari, R Nabizadeh, H Norzad, H Mortezaee,
Volume 9, Issue 3 (12-2016)
Volume 9, Issue 3 (12-2016)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Increasing air pollution and consequently adversely effects on the quality of life for many people has resulted in the use of the air quality indice for determination of the actual amount of pollutants and air quality, as one of the most important and effective measures for air quality control, to be considered further. The air quality health index (AQHI) is a new index related to air pollution developed in collaboration with Environment Canada and Health Canada, in 2001. The purpose of this study was to design and develop a software system for calculating AQHI for the first time in the country that calculates the health effects caused by the presence of several pollutants (NO2, O3,PM10, and PM2.5) at the same time with a new approach.
Materials and Methods: To achieve those aims, the software was designed and coded in Visual Basic. Net. After preparation of the software, it was tested using the real-time database of six air pollution monitoring stations in Tehran including Aghdasyeh, Setad Bohran, Shahrdari 4, Golbarg, Park-e- Roz, and Shahrdari 11.
Results: This program is a software package installed on the computer with the possibility of exporting Excel file. The performance of software testing was verified using real data.
Conclusion: The results of the verification tests show that the index calculated by the software introduced and presented in this study can be used as a useful tool to assess air quality.
Ghh Abdollahzadeh, M Sharif Sharifzadeh, Z Qadami Amraei,
Volume 9, Issue 4 (3-2017)
Volume 9, Issue 4 (3-2017)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Chemical pesticides are considered a vital component of farming and play a substantial role in maintaining high agricultural productivity. Concerns regarding the health and environmental effects of the pesticides have been increased in recent years. Therefore, this research aimed to assess farmers’ awareness about the positive and negative impacts of pesticides and their health risk on human.
Materials and Methods: A survey study was carried out between two groups of farmers including chemical pesticide users (n= 126) and biological pesticide users (n = 98). The users were randomly selected from 20 villages. The studied villages were selected from two sub-districts by cluster sampling method. An expert-verified questionnaire that its design and contents were assessed by local professionals was used in this research. The reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed based on the calculated Cronbach Alpha Coefficient for two constructs of awareness: positive (0.75) and negative (0.83) impacts of pesticides.
Results: Results indicated that the farmers using biological control were well aware of the harmful impacts of pesticide and hence they used less pesticides than the chemical pesticide users. Although the two groups of the farmers highlighted the health impacts of chemical pesticides such as human and animal health threat, and pollution of surface and underground water, the users of biological control methods had more concerns in this regards. Most of the respondents stated that the pesticides caused serious health problems such as exhaustion, sweating, cough and headache, dizziness, skin inflammation and irritation, nausea and vomiting.
Conclusion: Even though the farmers were well aware of the impacts of pesticides use, they have less often used personal protective equipment. In order to promote farmers’ awareness of pesticide impacts, more efforts are needed to strengthen training programs and facilitate access to extension services.
N Naqshband, M Askari Hesni,
Volume 10, Issue 2 (9-2017)
Volume 10, Issue 2 (9-2017)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Glyphosate is a non-selective, systemic herbicide that can control most plants, but it has harmful effects on organisms, especially aquatic animals. Static bioassays were made to determine acute toxicity of glyphosate and its effects on haematological parameters and behavior changes of common carp (Cyprinus carpio).
Materials and Methods: Common carp were exposed to different concentrations of glyphosate (5, 10, 20, 30 and 40 mg/L) and a control group for 96 h. After that, blood and plasma factors were measured in blood samples. Mortality rate and fish behavioral were recorded during the experiments. LC50, LOEC, NOEC and MATC were calculated by Probit software according to mortality rate in any treatment.
Results: In the early period of the experiment, fish in toxic media were jumping in water and showed high movements. Then after, the behavior such as breathing in surface, loss of balance, weakness and finally death were observed in the different treatments. LC50 value and 95% confidence limit of glyphosate in 24, 48, 72 and 96 h were 36.09, 30.46, 21.78 and 20.05 mg/L for common carp, respectively. The LOEC, NOEC and MATC were calculated as 6.66, 4.73 and 2.005 mg/L. The Significant changes that were observed in blood factors included RBC, WBC, Hct, Hb and plasma factors such as total protein, glucose, cortisol and other factors when the pesticide concentration was increased (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Results showed that glyphosate had a high effect on common carp and it its physiology and immune system. Haematological parameters may be used as an environmental health diagnostic test and stress indicator for agriculture pesticides in aquatic ecosystems.
N Ghanavati,
Volume 11, Issue 1 (6-2018)
Volume 11, Issue 1 (6-2018)
Abstract
Background and Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate risk of heavy metals on human health including (Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, Cd, Ni, V, As and Co) in street dusts in Abadan.
Materials and Methods: 30 dust samples were collected from sidewalks of main streets of Abadan and analyzed by inductively coupled spectroscopy (ICP-OES) method.
Results: The mean concentration of the heavy metals was as follows: Pb (59.13), Zn (287.50), Cu (112.97), Cr (50.30), Cd (0.52), Ni (56.77), V (35.83), As (10.7) and Co (7.33) (mg/kg). The concentration of all of the heavy metals, except V, in the dust samples was several times higher than the field concentration (concentration in the earth's crust). The average value of the potential ecological risk of the heavy metals V, Cr, Zn, Ni, As, Cu and Pb was low and had a low potential ecological risk. Cd had a moderate potential ecological risk. Also, based on the average value of Risk Index, the samples were at medium risk. Cumulative non-carcinogenic hazard of all the heavy metals in the street dust was higher for children than adults. This indicates that children are more at risk for heavy metals than the adults. In both age groups, Cr had the highest risk of carcinogenicity and Pb had the lowest risk.
Conclusion: The results indicated that the main source of the heavy metals in the study area is anthropogenic sources such as traffic, industrial facilities and burning of fossil fuels.
Materials and Methods: 30 dust samples were collected from sidewalks of main streets of Abadan and analyzed by inductively coupled spectroscopy (ICP-OES) method.
Results: The mean concentration of the heavy metals was as follows: Pb (59.13), Zn (287.50), Cu (112.97), Cr (50.30), Cd (0.52), Ni (56.77), V (35.83), As (10.7) and Co (7.33) (mg/kg). The concentration of all of the heavy metals, except V, in the dust samples was several times higher than the field concentration (concentration in the earth's crust). The average value of the potential ecological risk of the heavy metals V, Cr, Zn, Ni, As, Cu and Pb was low and had a low potential ecological risk. Cd had a moderate potential ecological risk. Also, based on the average value of Risk Index, the samples were at medium risk. Cumulative non-carcinogenic hazard of all the heavy metals in the street dust was higher for children than adults. This indicates that children are more at risk for heavy metals than the adults. In both age groups, Cr had the highest risk of carcinogenicity and Pb had the lowest risk.
Conclusion: The results indicated that the main source of the heavy metals in the study area is anthropogenic sources such as traffic, industrial facilities and burning of fossil fuels.
N Shiralipour, Mr Mirzaee Nejad,
Volume 11, Issue 4 (3-2019)
Volume 11, Issue 4 (3-2019)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Health expenditures and environmental pollution are indicators of development. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the effect of health per capita costs and the impact of carbon dioxide emissions (CO2) as an indicator of environmental pollution on the growth of selected developed and developing countries.
Materials and Methods: The effect of health expenditures and air pollution on economic growth was studied based on the data of two groups of developed and developing countries (2000-2015) and the use of econometric methods.
Results: The fitting of the equations confirmed the significant effect of the health expenditure per capita and CO2 emission on the economic growth of both groups of countries. One percent change in these expenditures resulted in 0.029 percent economic growth in the developed countries and 0.054 percent in the developing. Also, the effect of CO2 release on the economic growth was -0.011 and -0.073.
Conclusion: Health has a direct impact on economic growth. Health has a positive effect on the economic growth by reducing health costs (and spending these resources in other areas) and by increasing labor productivity through increasing life expectancy and useful work time. Also, increasing air pollution has a negative effect on the economic growth of these countries.
Materials and Methods: The effect of health expenditures and air pollution on economic growth was studied based on the data of two groups of developed and developing countries (2000-2015) and the use of econometric methods.
Results: The fitting of the equations confirmed the significant effect of the health expenditure per capita and CO2 emission on the economic growth of both groups of countries. One percent change in these expenditures resulted in 0.029 percent economic growth in the developed countries and 0.054 percent in the developing. Also, the effect of CO2 release on the economic growth was -0.011 and -0.073.
Conclusion: Health has a direct impact on economic growth. Health has a positive effect on the economic growth by reducing health costs (and spending these resources in other areas) and by increasing labor productivity through increasing life expectancy and useful work time. Also, increasing air pollution has a negative effect on the economic growth of these countries.
P Firouzi, H Aslani, A Aslhashemi,
Volume 11, Issue 4 (3-2019)
Volume 11, Issue 4 (3-2019)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Nowadays, swimming pools as a sport and entertainment center have found more popularity. Violation of health based standards in terms of physicochemical, microbial and environmental health indices can turn pools into a potential source of disease transmission and spread. Due to the importance of maintaining swimmers’ comfort, health, and safety, the present study was aimed to consider environmental health status and physicochemical and microbial quality of swimming pools water in Tabriz.
Materials and Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, the official checklists of swimming pools (consisting 10 public and 22 private swimming pools) were obtained from Tabriz Health Center. According to the inspections conducted in February 2017 and August 2017, the related information was extracted from the checklist. Data were analyzed using Excel software, SPSS version 23 and Chi-Square test.
Results: The average accordance of the physicochemical parameters with the standards for public and private pools was 67.5% and 65%, respectively. Among the physicochemical parameters, the residual free chlorine showed less accordance with the standards. On average, in the summer 49.5% and in the winter 28% of the pools showed microbial contamination.
Conclusion: The residual free chlorine values in the pool, Jacuzzi and chiller indicated a weak management of pools and a high potential for pathogenicity. Therefore, continual surveillance of the environmental health status and planning for an objective inspection program by the local authorities, especially in private sector, is suggested.
Materials and Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, the official checklists of swimming pools (consisting 10 public and 22 private swimming pools) were obtained from Tabriz Health Center. According to the inspections conducted in February 2017 and August 2017, the related information was extracted from the checklist. Data were analyzed using Excel software, SPSS version 23 and Chi-Square test.
Results: The average accordance of the physicochemical parameters with the standards for public and private pools was 67.5% and 65%, respectively. Among the physicochemical parameters, the residual free chlorine showed less accordance with the standards. On average, in the summer 49.5% and in the winter 28% of the pools showed microbial contamination.
Conclusion: The residual free chlorine values in the pool, Jacuzzi and chiller indicated a weak management of pools and a high potential for pathogenicity. Therefore, continual surveillance of the environmental health status and planning for an objective inspection program by the local authorities, especially in private sector, is suggested.
H Nik Nejad, H Pasalari, M Yegane Badi, J Abolghasemi, R Ghasem Nejad, M Farzadkia,
Volume 12, Issue 1 (5-2019)
Volume 12, Issue 1 (5-2019)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Clinics, laboratories and health care centers are considered as one of the main waste generating sources in solid waste management. The problems associated with the generated health-care waste in clinics, laboratories and health care centers have been rarely investigated in Iran. Therefore, the present study was developed to investigate the status of health care waste in clinics, laboratories and health care centers of Mahmoudabad, Mazandaran in 2017.
Methods and Materials: This cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the status of solid waste management in 117 medical centers in Mahmoudabad, Mazandaran, 2017. The solid waste data in terms of waste generation rate, storage, collection, and disposal were surveyed through interview and questionnaire that were validated by Iran’s ministry of health.
Results: The average health-care waste generation in medical centers in Mahmoudabad was found to be 248 g/day. The mean and standard deviation for environmental health criteria in all medical centers were 248.3 and 41.1, respectively. In addition, there was a statistically significant difference between the amount of waste generation in private and governmental medical centers (p=0.111).
Conclusion: The results obtained from the present research indicated that the medical waste management in Mahmoudabad, particularly in private centers, face serious problems. Improper waste collection technology, mixing municipal and medical waste, requirement for training the personnel in medical waste management and surveillance can be considered as important concerns in health-care waste management in Mahmoudabad.
Methods and Materials: This cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the status of solid waste management in 117 medical centers in Mahmoudabad, Mazandaran, 2017. The solid waste data in terms of waste generation rate, storage, collection, and disposal were surveyed through interview and questionnaire that were validated by Iran’s ministry of health.
Results: The average health-care waste generation in medical centers in Mahmoudabad was found to be 248 g/day. The mean and standard deviation for environmental health criteria in all medical centers were 248.3 and 41.1, respectively. In addition, there was a statistically significant difference between the amount of waste generation in private and governmental medical centers (p=0.111).
Conclusion: The results obtained from the present research indicated that the medical waste management in Mahmoudabad, particularly in private centers, face serious problems. Improper waste collection technology, mixing municipal and medical waste, requirement for training the personnel in medical waste management and surveillance can be considered as important concerns in health-care waste management in Mahmoudabad.
K Naddafi, Ms Hassanvand, S Faridi,
Volume 12, Issue 1 (5-2019)
Volume 12, Issue 1 (5-2019)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Air pollution is a leading environmental risk factor on health and it is the major cause of death and disease at global level. Air pollution has been shown to have a significant share in the non-communicable diseases (NCDs) burden. After smoking, it is the second cause of deaths due to NCDs, associated with an increased risk of developing acute and chronic diseases and mortality.
Materials and Methods: In this study, a review was initially conducted on the basis of indices conducted in the world, the status of ambient air pollution and its effects on health in Iran and other countries, and then the status of ambient air quality and its effects on health in Tehran metropolitan between 2006 and 2017 were shown, based on the results of the studies conducted by the Environmental Research Institute of Tehran University of Medical Sciences.
Results: The results showed that the annual mean of ambient air population-weighted PM2.5 exposure concentration in Iran was about 48 μg/m3, which is relatively lower than its global mean concentration (51 μg/m3). Based on the most recent study (in 2018) about 8.9 (7.5-10.3) million deaths in those aged above 25 years were attributed to exposure to outdoor air PM2.5 in the world. Although there are substantial differences between the results of studies have been done regarding the number of air pollution attributed deaths, numerous studies showed that air pollution is a major cause of death. Results regarding temporal variations of air quality in Tehran that is performed by the Institute for Environmental Research (IER) of Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), indicated that PM concentration had an increasing trend from 2006 to 2011. The maximum mean concentration of PM2.5 over the past 12 years has occurred in 2011, which was 38 μg/m3. The PM concentration had a decreasing trend from 2012 to 2015, reaching about 30 μg/m3. However, in the years 2016 and 2017, the annual mean PM2.5 concentration in Tehran was increased compared to its corresponding value in 2015. Furthermore, results of this study demonstrated that, in Tehran, not even one day was classified as "good” (AQI=0-50) from 2011 to 2017 based on the air quality index (AQI), but the number of days in which AQI was “moderate” (AQI=51-100) was increased from 2011 to 2015, and the number of days with the AQI of “moderate” reached 80 in 2015, while the rest of the days having an unhealthy air quality. In 2017, AQI was “moderate” in 20 days, “unhealthy for sensitive groups” in 237 days, “unhealthy” in 107 days, and "very unhealthy” in 1 day. The obtained results indicated that about 4878 (3238, 6359( of deaths due to all (natural) causes were attributable to long-term exposure to PM2.5 in Tehran in 2017.
Conclusion: Studies showed that air pollution has a considerable share in the number of attributed deaths. Moreover, there were substantial differences between the results of national and international studies in the burden of disease attributed to air pollution. Therefore, there is a crucial need for accessing to reliable data on air pollution as well as baseline mortality and morbidity in order to study the status of air quality and its effects on health over the country.
Materials and Methods: In this study, a review was initially conducted on the basis of indices conducted in the world, the status of ambient air pollution and its effects on health in Iran and other countries, and then the status of ambient air quality and its effects on health in Tehran metropolitan between 2006 and 2017 were shown, based on the results of the studies conducted by the Environmental Research Institute of Tehran University of Medical Sciences.
Results: The results showed that the annual mean of ambient air population-weighted PM2.5 exposure concentration in Iran was about 48 μg/m3, which is relatively lower than its global mean concentration (51 μg/m3). Based on the most recent study (in 2018) about 8.9 (7.5-10.3) million deaths in those aged above 25 years were attributed to exposure to outdoor air PM2.5 in the world. Although there are substantial differences between the results of studies have been done regarding the number of air pollution attributed deaths, numerous studies showed that air pollution is a major cause of death. Results regarding temporal variations of air quality in Tehran that is performed by the Institute for Environmental Research (IER) of Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), indicated that PM concentration had an increasing trend from 2006 to 2011. The maximum mean concentration of PM2.5 over the past 12 years has occurred in 2011, which was 38 μg/m3. The PM concentration had a decreasing trend from 2012 to 2015, reaching about 30 μg/m3. However, in the years 2016 and 2017, the annual mean PM2.5 concentration in Tehran was increased compared to its corresponding value in 2015. Furthermore, results of this study demonstrated that, in Tehran, not even one day was classified as "good” (AQI=0-50) from 2011 to 2017 based on the air quality index (AQI), but the number of days in which AQI was “moderate” (AQI=51-100) was increased from 2011 to 2015, and the number of days with the AQI of “moderate” reached 80 in 2015, while the rest of the days having an unhealthy air quality. In 2017, AQI was “moderate” in 20 days, “unhealthy for sensitive groups” in 237 days, “unhealthy” in 107 days, and "very unhealthy” in 1 day. The obtained results indicated that about 4878 (3238, 6359( of deaths due to all (natural) causes were attributable to long-term exposure to PM2.5 in Tehran in 2017.
Conclusion: Studies showed that air pollution has a considerable share in the number of attributed deaths. Moreover, there were substantial differences between the results of national and international studies in the burden of disease attributed to air pollution. Therefore, there is a crucial need for accessing to reliable data on air pollution as well as baseline mortality and morbidity in order to study the status of air quality and its effects on health over the country.
Z Farahbakhsh, A Akbarzadeh, P Amiri, A Naji,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (9-2019)
Volume 12, Issue 2 (9-2019)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Heavy metals enter to water resources through various ways, causing dangers such as illness, cancer, and, in general, a disorder in the body of living organisms. Mullet (Liza aurata) is highly consumed by the people living in Guilan province, Iran. Therefore, the amount of heavy metals included copper, zinc, and nickel was investigated in the muscle tissue of mullet.
Materials and Methods: A total number of 11 mullet were obtained from Bandar Anzali. After a preparation step, the fish samples were digested using chemical digestion, and the amounts of heavy metals were determined by atomic absorption.
Results: The average concentration of copper, zinc, and nickel in muscle tissue was 10.07±0.93, 28.39 ±3.99, and 4.01 ± 0.55 μg/g dry weight, respectively. The concentrations of the studied metals were lower than the FAO, WHO, FDA, NHMRC and UKMAFF international standards, except for the nickel. The daily absorption rates of the studied metals (EDI) for children and adults were lower than the reference dose set by the EPA and the TI provided by the FAO / WHO Organization. The risk potential (THQ) of seven days, three days and one day consumption per week of Golden grey mullet for both adults and children were found less than 1. The hazard index (HI) of 7 days a week consumption of mullet for children was greater than 1.
Conclusion: According to the results of the present study, the consumption of this fish has a harmful effect on consumer health in children age group.
Materials and Methods: A total number of 11 mullet were obtained from Bandar Anzali. After a preparation step, the fish samples were digested using chemical digestion, and the amounts of heavy metals were determined by atomic absorption.
Results: The average concentration of copper, zinc, and nickel in muscle tissue was 10.07±0.93, 28.39 ±3.99, and 4.01 ± 0.55 μg/g dry weight, respectively. The concentrations of the studied metals were lower than the FAO, WHO, FDA, NHMRC and UKMAFF international standards, except for the nickel. The daily absorption rates of the studied metals (EDI) for children and adults were lower than the reference dose set by the EPA and the TI provided by the FAO / WHO Organization. The risk potential (THQ) of seven days, three days and one day consumption per week of Golden grey mullet for both adults and children were found less than 1. The hazard index (HI) of 7 days a week consumption of mullet for children was greater than 1.
Conclusion: According to the results of the present study, the consumption of this fish has a harmful effect on consumer health in children age group.
K Naddafi, A Mesdaghinia, M Abtahi, Ms Hassanvand, R Saeedi,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (9-2019)
Volume 12, Issue 2 (9-2019)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Environmental burden of disease (EBD) studies are one of the most important needs for determining the current situation, increasing the effectiveness of health policies and programs and prioritizing environmental health interventions. This review article was evaluated the status of the EBD in Iran based on the results of the latest Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study, other international studies and national estimates in the country.
Materials and Methods: In this study, the researches on the EBD in Iran were identified by searching in the international and national scientific databases and the search results were studied and analyzed.
Results: The review of the EBD studies showed that based on the results of the GBD study, the share of environmental risk factors in the total burden of diseases in the country in 2017 according to the disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and deaths were about 8 and 13%, respectively. According to the results of the GBD study, the contributions of environmental risk factors in the attributable DALYs in the country in 2017 (a total value of 1,648,329) were as follows: ambient air PM2.5 for 45.0%, occupational risk factors for 25.1%, exposure to lead for 19.4%, unsafe water source for 5.0%, tropospheric ozone for 1.7%, lack of access to handwashing facility for 1.5%, unsafe sanitation for 1.4%, residential radon for 0.6%, and household air pollution from solid fuels for 0.3%. The total DALY rate and death rate attributable to solar ultraviolet radiation in Iran in 2000 were estimated to be 46.2 and 0.7, respectively. The DALY and the DALY rate attributable to elevated levels of fluoride in drinking water due to dental fluorosis in the country in 2017 were 3,443 and 4.14, respectively. The evaluation of the effect of water fluoridation as an environmental protective factor showed that the intervention by reducing the risk of dental caries could fall the DALY and DALY rates in the country by 14,971 and 18.73, respectively. In the period of 2005-2017, the DALY rate (per 100,000 people) attributable to ambient air PM2.5, tropospheric ozone, residential radon, and occupational risk factors rose that the result increases the importance of the preventive measures and controls of these risk factors.
Conclusion: There was a considerable difference in the burden of disease attributed to each risk factor in various international studies as well as between national and international studies. The results of national studies on the burden of diseases attributable to environmental risk factors are considered to be more reliable and practical due to the application of more detailed data and conducting subnational evaluations; therefore, the strengthening and continuing these studies at the national and sub-national levels with regard to priorities, needs, and spatiotemporal trends using domestic reliable data and information are necessary and strictly recommended.
Materials and Methods: In this study, the researches on the EBD in Iran were identified by searching in the international and national scientific databases and the search results were studied and analyzed.
Results: The review of the EBD studies showed that based on the results of the GBD study, the share of environmental risk factors in the total burden of diseases in the country in 2017 according to the disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and deaths were about 8 and 13%, respectively. According to the results of the GBD study, the contributions of environmental risk factors in the attributable DALYs in the country in 2017 (a total value of 1,648,329) were as follows: ambient air PM2.5 for 45.0%, occupational risk factors for 25.1%, exposure to lead for 19.4%, unsafe water source for 5.0%, tropospheric ozone for 1.7%, lack of access to handwashing facility for 1.5%, unsafe sanitation for 1.4%, residential radon for 0.6%, and household air pollution from solid fuels for 0.3%. The total DALY rate and death rate attributable to solar ultraviolet radiation in Iran in 2000 were estimated to be 46.2 and 0.7, respectively. The DALY and the DALY rate attributable to elevated levels of fluoride in drinking water due to dental fluorosis in the country in 2017 were 3,443 and 4.14, respectively. The evaluation of the effect of water fluoridation as an environmental protective factor showed that the intervention by reducing the risk of dental caries could fall the DALY and DALY rates in the country by 14,971 and 18.73, respectively. In the period of 2005-2017, the DALY rate (per 100,000 people) attributable to ambient air PM2.5, tropospheric ozone, residential radon, and occupational risk factors rose that the result increases the importance of the preventive measures and controls of these risk factors.
Conclusion: There was a considerable difference in the burden of disease attributed to each risk factor in various international studies as well as between national and international studies. The results of national studies on the burden of diseases attributable to environmental risk factors are considered to be more reliable and practical due to the application of more detailed data and conducting subnational evaluations; therefore, the strengthening and continuing these studies at the national and sub-national levels with regard to priorities, needs, and spatiotemporal trends using domestic reliable data and information are necessary and strictly recommended.
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