Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Air Pollution and Health 2476-3071 11 1 2026 04 21 1 24 Hafsat Ameen Department of Epidemiology and community Health, University of Ilorin, Ilorin,Nigeria Esther Joseph Department Of Public Health, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria Emmanuel Odediran Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria Maimuna Abdulraheem Department of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria Jamiu Adeniran Environmental Engineering Research Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria 2024 12 06 2026 01 28 Introduction: The rapid urbanization and heavy traffic in cities raise concerns about health and environmental risks from Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs). This study analyses the levels of contamination, origins, and exposure hazards of 10 PTEs (Fe, As, Cd, Zn, Cu, Mn, Pb, Cr, Co, Ni) in dust from five public vehicles and five motor parks in Abuja, Nigeria. Materials and methods: Digested samples of park dust were analysed for Fe, Pb, Zn, As, Co, Cr, Cu, Cd, Mn, Ni (ten PTEs) using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). PTE sources were ascertained using Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) alongside contamination indicators comprising of Enrichment Factor, Geo accumulation Index, Contamination Factor and Ecological Risk Factor. A new pollution indicator, the Nemerov Integrated Risk Index (NIRI), was evaluated for consistency with existing methods. Exposure risks (cancer and non-cancer causing) were assessed for commuters. Results: PMF revealed five PTE sources: brake/engine wear (50%), vehicular body wear (1%), tyre wear/lubrication leaks (12%), coal combustion (6%), and vehicular emissions (31%). Cd exhibited the highest contamination levels across all indices. NIRI results aligned with traditional indices, confirming severe Cd pollution. Health risk assessments showed insignificant noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic risks for adults and children, though children were more vulnerable. Conclusion: Traffic-related activities were the dominant sources of PTEs in Abuja’s vehicle and motor park dusts. Cadmium (Cd) exhibited the highest enrichment, exceeding background levels and posing high ecological risk particularly for children, while other PTEs presented low health risks. This study underlines the necessity for targeted mitigation and non-stop monitoring to reduce PTE exposure in urban transit environments. https://japh.tums.ac.ir/index.php/japh/article/view/869 https://japh.tums.ac.ir/index.php/japh/article/download/869/459

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Air Pollution and Health 2476-3071 11 1 2026 04 21 131 152 Riya Sharma IIT Delhi Hariprasad Puttaswamy IIT Delhi S.K. Tyagi Department of Energy Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, India 2026 01 08 2026 02 15 Globally, air pollution is responsible for over 7 million premature deaths annually and accounts for more than 3% of disability-adjusted life years lost. The harmful effects of air pollution, particularly particulate matter (PM), are far-reaching, significantly contributing to the prevalence and progression of coronary artery disease, respiratory illnesses, and lung disorders. Although the adverse health consequences of PM are well-documented, the precise biological mechanisms driving these outcomes remain incompletely understood. In recent years, the field of epigenetics has shed light on PM-induced epigenetic changes, with a focus on DNA methylation, providing a promising framework for exploring these mechanisms. A growing body of evidence highlights the strong association between PM exposure and alterations in DNA methylation patterns across the genome, suggesting that these modifications play a pivotal role in mediating the biological and health effects of PM exposure. This comprehensive review explores the intricate relationship between DNA methylation and PM exposure. Representative epidemiological and experimental studies emphasize the connections between PM-induced methylation alterations and the indirect impact of DNA methylation on health. By providing valuable insights into gene-specific alterations, the review contributes to a deeper understanding of the potential implications of PM exposure on DNA methylation and its broader health consequences. https://japh.tums.ac.ir/index.php/japh/article/view/1207 https://japh.tums.ac.ir/index.php/japh/article/download/1207/467

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Air Pollution and Health 2476-3071 11 1 2026 04 21 25 44 Mahdi Salehabadi 1MSc. from Faculty of mining engineering, Geophysics, petroleum, Shahrood University of Technology, Shahrood, Iran Farhang Sereshki 2Professor at Faculty of mining engineering, Geophysics, petroleum, Shahrood University of Technology, Shahrood, Iran Mir Hossein Shahami PhD in mining engineering, rock mechanics, Iran Minerals Production and Supply Company (IMPASCO) Mohammad Karamoozian Associate Professor, Faculty of Mining Engineering, Geophysics, petroleum, Shahrood University of Technology, Shahrood, Iran Ali Mirzaghorbanali senior Lecturer in Geotechnical engineering, School of Engineering, University of Southern Queensland, Australia Hossein Khakshour PhD student at Faculty of mining engineering, Geophysics, petroleum, Shahrood University of Technology, Shahrood, Iran 2025 02 28 2026 02 23 Introduction: Haul roads are one of the main sources of dust in mines. Dust pollution not only causes lung diseases, but also reduces the useful vision of machine drivers, slows down trucks, and interferes with transportation operations. On the other hand, machines' operation in dust increases their depreciation and fuel consumption. The popular spraying method is used in mines to overcome this problem. To suppress dust on mining roads, water and oil mulch are commonly used. The first method requires a large amount of water, and the second method has undesirable environmental effects. Therefore, an appropriate alternative method should be found. According to the results, the proposed method may be effective in dust suppression. This  process causes both environmental and operational difficulties, includinghigh water consumption, inefficiency in hot and dry areas, and costly water supply in many regions, not to mention its cultural value, soil liquefaction, traffic by the irrigation process, imposing repairing and maintaining costs for sprinklers and ramps, etc. Materials and methods: Soil stabilization is a technique that enhances the engineering and mechanical characteristics of soil, such as its strength, stiffness, formation, and loading capacity using technology and proper materials. The present research aimed at finding out how the physical and strength properties could be improved with the addition of optimum ratios of sugar beet molasses to the ramp soils to make the unpaved roads within the Abyek cement mine region stronger and more durable. Results: As analytical tests for soils containing additives with specified weight percentages, Atterberg limits, compaction, Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS), and direct shear tests were conducted. The incorporation of sugar beet molasses into both soils resulted in an 11.6% reduction in Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) and increased the Maximum Dry Density (MDD) to 1.955 g/cm³ for AB01 soil and 1.942 g/cm³ for AB02 soil. Conclusion: The optimal result was obtained from direct shear and unconfined compressive tests by adding 2% molasses for AB02 soil and 1% molasses for AB01 soil. https://japh.tums.ac.ir/index.php/japh/article/view/925 https://japh.tums.ac.ir/index.php/japh/article/download/925/461

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Air Pollution and Health 2476-3071 11 1 2026 04 21 45 54 Burkhoniddin Tillashaykhov Department of Biomedicine and Life Science, School of Medicine, Central Asian University, Tashkent, Uzbekistan Muhammad Khan Central Asian UNiversity 2025 06 13 2026 02 07 Introduction: Atmospheric aerosol particles significantly impact ecosystems, global climate, cultural heritage, and public health. Air pollution is a major global health concern, contributing to roughly one quarter of total global mortality, with fine Particulate Matter (PM₂.₅) being particularly harmful. Long-term exposure to elevated PM₂.₅ and gaseous pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and carbon monoxide increases the risk of severe health effects, including chronic respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Materials and methods: Air quality trends in Uzbekistan, primarily in Tashkent, were analyzed using Air Quality Index (AQI) data, focusing on wintertime PM₂.₅ levels. Health outcomes were assessed through statistical analysis of Ministry of Health records from 2012 to 2024, with particular attention to respiratory tract infection–related mortality. Comparative analysis was performed between urban and rural populations, and vulnerable groups, including children and senior citizens, were identified. Results: Analysis revealed that wintertime PM₂.₅ concentrations in Tashkent were approximately six times higher than World Health Organization recommended limits. Statistical evaluation indicated a significant 24.94% increase in respiratory tract infection–related deaths in Tashkent during the study period (p<0.05), whereas rural areas showed no significant growth. Urban air pollution, primarily from residential heating and anthropogenic activities, was identified as a major contributor. Children and elderly populations were most affected. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate the substantial health impacts of urban air pollution in Uzbekistan, particularly in low- and middle-income urban settings. The study emphasizes the urgent need for targeted air quality management strategies to mitigate pollution-related health risks, protect vulnerable populations, and improve public health outcomes. https://japh.tums.ac.ir/index.php/japh/article/view/992 https://japh.tums.ac.ir/index.php/japh/article/download/992/462

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Air Pollution and Health 2476-3071 11 1 2026 04 21 55 76 Samuel Nketia Boateng https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5840-5092 Felicia Takyi https://orcid.org/0009-0005-4682-0762 Gertrude Oboh University of Cape Coast Harriet Ampoful Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, School of Sustainable Engineering, College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana AND Department of Environmental Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana Josephine Kuttor University of Cape Coast Albert Duncan University of Cape Coast 2025 07 18 2026 02 07 Introduction: The nature of heavy pollution incidence that plagues the South East Asian (SEAR) Region and the African region demands the understanding of air pollution dynamics within these regions to inform policy formulation to improve environmental health. This study therefore aims to grasp the transformation of air pollutants in the last 10 years in the two regions and their potential to influence respiratory health. Materials and methods: This study used the 6th edition of the ambient air quality data from the WHO website, which was revised and published on January 22, 2024. 1609 dataset was used for this research, spanning the 16 countries. Results: The results of the analysis show that in the last 10 years, the mean PM10 (64.15 ± 40.38 g/m³), PM2.5 (22.98 ± 23.65 g/m3 ), and NO₂ (8.83 ± 7.99 g/m³) were 64.15 ± 40.38 g/m³, 22.98 ± 23.65 g/m³, and 8.83 ± 7.99 g/m³, respectively. Consequently, the air quality index for PM10 and PM2.5 stands at 57.73 and 96.59 for the African Region and 55.53 and 74.61 for SEAR, indicating a satisfactory air quality. The principal component analysis showed that NO₂ exposure and monitoring explained 39.91% of the variance in the data, while component 2 (PM10 and PM2.5) explained 19.43%. The regression model showed that PM10 temporal coverage can be used to predict NO₂ concentration. Indicating that better cover for PM10 can be used to estimate NO2 concentration. Conclusion: This study has highlighted that temporal coverage can be a useful means for air pollutant estimation. Hence, governments should increase monitoring of air pollutants, in this peak era of industrialisation to capture the many unquantified contaminants. https://japh.tums.ac.ir/index.php/japh/article/view/1014 https://japh.tums.ac.ir/index.php/japh/article/download/1014/463

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Air Pollution and Health 2476-3071 11 1 2026 04 21 77 94 Nkechi Blessing Chinedu Department of Industrial Chemistry Southern Delta University, Ozoro Gospel Isangadighi Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Nigeria Ubong Bernard Essien African Centre of Excellence in Public Health and Toxicological Research, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria Salami Basirat Adedamola Department of Chemical Sciences, Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria Austin Uzochukwu Orabuego Pharmacology and Toxicology, Pharmaceutical Sciences University of Nigeria, Nsukka Patience Oinu Momoh Department of Public Health, Global Health and Infectious Disease Control Institute (GHIDI) Nasarawa State University, Keffi. 2025 10 19 2026 02 17 Introduction: The rapid rate of industrial growth in Delta State, Nigeria, has led to an increase in the emission of airborne pollutants, including Particulate Matter (PM2.5), Sulfur dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which pose a threat to the environment and the health of the population. This paper utilises Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA) to simulate the dispersion of pollutants and assess the risks associated with exposure in four industrial areas: Warri/Ekpan, Aladja, Ughelli, and Kwale. Materials and methods: Simulations in three-dimensional CFD of ANSYS Fluent 2024 R1 were conducted using the actual meteorological, topographic and emission parameters provided in NiMet and EIA data. The NavierStokes equations were solved with the Realisable k-epsilon turbulence model. The model results were georeferenced and interpreted in ArcGIS Pro 3.2, generating exposure maps by combining the pollutant fields with the population fields. The Hazard Index (HI) and Lifetime Cancer Risk (LCR) were used in quantifying health risks in accordance with USEPA guidelines. Results: The concentrations of VOCs and PM2.5 in the air were 115.6 µg/m³ and 56.2 µg/m³, respectively, which exceeded the WHO levels. HI values were 14.7-21.4 (adults) and 26.138.0 (children), and LCR values (1.710;- 3.210; -3) represented that there was carcinogenic risk. Conclusion: CFDH-HRA was the most accurate in predicting risks of pollution and exposurorecasting (WRF)-Chem model outputs with reanalysis data demonstrated that the model accurately predicted dust events along the southern Caspian shores in all three cases, though its precision is not yet suitable for quantitative comparison. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, dust in the northern provinces of Iran is emitted from three dust sources in northern Iraq, central Iran, and Turkmenistan. Also, the WRF-Chem model has been able to predict the dust transport from these different dust sources to northern Iran. However, it can be stated that the accuracy of the outputs is still not suitable for quantitative comparison. https://japh.tums.ac.ir/index.php/japh/article/view/877 https://japh.tums.ac.ir/index.php/japh/article/download/877/440

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Air Pollution and Health 2476-3071 10 2 2025 07 09 269 282 Vishal Kumar Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology Raipur, Chhatisgarh, India Ajay Ahirwar Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology Raipur, Chhatisgarh, India A. Prasad Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology Raipur, Chhatisgarh, India 2024 06 06 2025 06 08 Introduction: Traffic noise modeling is a rapidly growing field. Researchers are continually improving existing models and creating new ones that take into consideration complex aspects such as traffic flow patterns and the influence of geography. This study aims to test few models that may be suitable for the Indian scenario along with development of new model. Materials and methods: In the present study, evaluation and modeling of traffic noise have been carried out. The study was carried out in 20 locations in Raipur city. Half of the locations were selected for validation of results, and half were selected for studying the best-suited model for our selected area. Six models best suited to our location were selected after performing the literature review in brief. Traffic data was collected, and models were tested. Results: On comparing the data, it was found that out of six models, the Burgess model was found to be the most accurate, as its predicted noise levels are consistently closest to the measured noise levels across all ten locations. But the coefficient of correlation (R) for this model was found to be in the range of 0.31 to 0.64. Burgess model uses the framework of concentric zones to analyse how noise varies based on location within a city, taking into account factors such as land use, population density, and the types of activities prevalent in each zone. Further, we developed our own model by using the multiple regression method and validated our results. On performing the statistical analysis, highest value of R2 (0.83 and 0.82) were found for locations PL1 and PL8 respectively. Mean Absolute Deviation (MAD) values ranged from 0.859 to 2.175, and Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) values ranged from 0.884 to 2.203 for all locations. Conclusion: The high R² values, close to 1, and the low RMSE values indicate that our model fits the data well. Therefore, we can conclude that the developed model is highly suitable for predicting noise levels at our location. https://japh.tums.ac.ir/index.php/japh/article/view/752 https://japh.tums.ac.ir/index.php/japh/article/download/752/441

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Air Pollution and Health 2476-3071 10 2 2025 07 09 283 290 EN Mohanraj Selvaraj Department of Mechanical Engineering, Erode Sengunthar Engineering College, Erode, India Sivasankari Sivalingam Department of Information Technology, Erode Sengunthar Engineering College, Erode, India Arun Arulsamy Department of Aerospace Engineering, SNS College of Technology, Coimbatore, India Vijayakumar Palanivel Department of Aeronautical Engineering, Nehru Institute of Technology, Coimbatore, India Sangupandy Duraippandi Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sudharsan Engineering College, Pudukkottai, India 2025 02 08 2025 06 10 Introduction: Traffic-Related Air Pollution (TRAP) is currently among the priority environmental issues because of the strong correlation it shares with the occurrence of unwanted respiratory effects, particularly in children. Air pollution exposure to pollutants such as N