HEALTH EFFECTS OF AIRBORNE PARTICULATE MATTERS (PM10) DURING DUST STORM AND NON-DUST STORM CONDITIONS IN TEHRAN

Introduction: Air pollution is a serious health concern worldwide, accounting for high premature morbidity and mortality annually. In this article, we explain the framework of a series of interrelated researches for studying particulate matter (PM10, PM <10 μm) health impacts from dust storm and non-dust storm conditions in Tehran, Iran. Materials and methods: PM10 samples will be collected daily from two representative stations simultaneously during normal and dusty days by high volume samplers. PM chemical properties including ions, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, metal (loid)s and oxidative potential will be analyzed. For in vitro biological toxicity, cytokine release from peripheral blood mononuclear cells and A549 cell line will be assayed. Also, DNA damage on A549 cell line will be examined using comet assay. In addition, DNA methylation of PBMCs and hemolysis of red blood cells (RBCs) will be accomplished. In a parallel panel study, after completing demographic and the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISSAC) questionnaires, two groups of students will be selected. The exhaled breath condensate will be conducted to measure TNF-α, 8-IP, IL-6. Conclusions: This study aimed to evaluate the components, oxidative potential and biological effects induced by PM. Our research will be provided information on the toxicity potential of PM related to dust storm and traffic to help policy makers to establish strategies and prioritize resource allocation in comprehensive plan for PM control.