Journal of North Khorasan

Background & objectives: Ozone is one of the most important gaseous pollutants in the air, which is necessary to be evaluated in the case of its harmful effects on human health. The present study was performed to assess the rate of mortality and hospitalization due to cardiovascular disease and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) which are attributed to ozone in the air of Tehran during last decade (2005-2015).

Materials and Methods: This study was a descriptive–analytic. Firstly, hourly data of ozone pollutant were taken from Tehran environmental protection agency and air quality control. Data were validated according to the WHO guidelines. Required statistical parameters were calculated for health effect quantifying. Finally, processed data were converted to required inputs for the AirQ software and health effects quantifying were performed.

Results: Results showed that the number of total mortality due to Ozone exposure was 8222 cases in the past decade. The total number of cardiovascular mortality attributed to ozone in the past decade was 5951 people and the total number of respiratory mortality attributed to ozone in the past decade was 2947 people between 2005-2015.

Conclusions: According to the results, ozone has adverse effects on human health. Regarding the high levels of air pollution in Tehran and mortality and its related health consequences, appropriate measures should be taken to reduce the air pollution.