Investigation of the Dispersion Trend of Asbestos Fibers in the Air of Tehran City in 2017



Someah MS¹ ; Golbabaei F² ; Arjomandi R¹ ; Semiromi FB¹ ; Mohammadi A¹ Show Affiliations
Source: Journal of Health and Safety at Work Published:2023

Abstract

Introduction: Despite the legal prohibition of asbestos fiber usage in the country, numerous studies have documented its presence in the air of various cities, including Tehran. This urban air pollution stems from the extensive use of asbestos in construction materials such as pipes, insulators in cooling and heating systems, and friction devices like brake pads and clutch plates, among other consumer products. Prolonged exposure to these fibers can have severe health consequences for residents, leading to respiratory issues, pulmonary fibrosis, and cancers such as mesothelioma. Consequently, we conducted a descriptive cross- sectional study to examine both the extent and nature of asbestos fiber distribution in Tehran’s air. Material and Methods: This study measured the concentration of asbestos fibers in Tehran’s air over a 12-month period. Monthly samplings were conducted at eleven Tehran Air Quality Control Company- operated stations. The sample collection, preparation, and analysis adhered to the NIOSH 7400 method. Microscopic examination results were then translated into asbestos fiber concentrations using the appropriate formulas. Results: Analysis of samples taken across four seasons revealed that spring recorded the highest average asbestos fiber concentration at 0.00134 f/ml, while the lowest concentration was observed in summer at 0.117 f/ml. Conclusion: Given the widespread ban on asbestos use in many countries, including Iran, its presence in urban air is unexpected. Regrettably, flawed policy decisions made during the import ban announcement and the extended timeframe set for the ban’s initiation allowed companies to import and stockpile asbestos indiscriminately for future use. © 2024 The Authors.