INVESTIGATION OF THE LEVELS OF AIR CRITERIA POLLUTANTS EFFECTING ON HEALTH IN DOGONBADAN CITY AND DESCRIPTION OF AIR QUALITY USING AQI INDEX

Introduction: Urbanization and rapid industrial development along with enumeration of population result in development of a variety of pollutants in the environment. The aim of this study is determination of the air's health status relying on AQI index in Dogonbadan City. Materials and methods: In this research, using the information provided by air quality monitoring stations of environmental protection organization of Dogonbadan City, the average concentration of air criteria pollutants (PM10, SO2, O-3, and NO2) during different months and seasons of 2012-2013 has been investigated. The obtained concentrations were then converted to AQI index using AQI calculator software. Further, the averageconcentration of the mentioned pollutants was compared with the country's environmental organization standards. Results: In general, during the years of 2012-2013, the air quality index was in a good and medium level (AQI<100) in 96% of cases, while in 4% of cases, it was beyond the standard limit. The PM10, SO2, O-3, and NO2 pollutants had the greatest and slightest rules in the air pollution of Dogonbadan City. August was the worst month in terms of PM10 pollution, since in this month 30% of pollution status had lied within the range of hazardous and above, whereas for other pollutants in this month, new unhealthy status was observed. Conclusions: Suspended particles were recognized as the major factor of air pollution in Dogonbadan City. Considering high levels of this pollutant, through timely notification, it is possible to prevent further complications for people with heart or lung diseases.