On the relationship between air pollution indices and risk level of dust-related diseases and associated hospitalization

The air quality index (AQI), PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 reflect the level of air pollution and are used to assess the risk level of dust-related diseases and hospitalization. Previous studies have assessed the hospital admissions in relation to individual (e.g., PM₁₀) or multiple air pollutants (AQI, PM₁₀, and PM_2.5) to examine the efficacy of these indices in reflecting health risks. This study examined the efficacy of air pollutants (AQI, PM₁₀, and PM_2.5) and dust storm indices (wind speed, visibility and dust storm index (DSI)) in reflecting health risks. Hospital admissions for respiratory, eye, and cardiovascular diseases were received from the Zabol Medical Emergency Center during 13 dust storm events in 2022 and 20 events in 2023. PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ were gathered from the Zabol University of Medical Sciences, and visibility and wind speed were collected from the Zabol meteorological station from May 2022 to Dec 2023. The results revealed AQI > 100 and an increase in hospital admissions with increasing AQI during the period of study. The greatest hospital admissions were observed in June and July 2023, consistent with highest levels of PM₁₀ and values of DSI. Significant positive correlations were found between hospital admissions and both air pollutants and dust storm indices. AQI, DSI, Vis < 2 km (visibility < 2 km) and wind speed showed the highest correlations (r² > 81). AQI and Vis < 2 km were the dominant factors contributing to hospital admissions. Further, the results suggested that AQI, PM₁₀, visibility, and DSI can function as a tool for risk communication and assessment of dust-related disease and hospitalization risk.