Farzaneh Jajarmi, Ahmad Jonidi Jafari, Majid Kermani, Mitra Gholami,
Volume 22, Issue 1 (4-2019)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Dust was considered by researchers as one of the most important forms of air pollution. The aim of this study was to identify the physical and chemical characteristics of dust storm sources in Tehran.
Materials and methods: This study was conducted in selected air sampling stations of Tehran, in the days of dust and ordinary from January 2016 for one year. The concentration of dust particles was determined by gravimetric. Heavy metal concentrations in samples after digestion were determined with graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS-GF). Mineralogy and morphology of the dust fall particles were inspected using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy and sources particles using Enrichment Factor Analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) were performed. For statistical analysis, R software was used.
Ethical Considerations: This study with research ethics code IR.IUMS.REC.1397.313 has been approved by research ethics committee at Iran University of Medical Sciences.
Findngs: The highest average particle concentration in normal days was related to the central station (122.63 µg / m3), and the lowest for the East Station (67.13 µg / m3). The highest concentrations of the elements measured in the particles are related to iron and aluminum and the lowest concentrations of chromium and nickel. Lowest amount of Enrichment Factor was obtained for iron, less than one.
Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that the concentration of dust in center was higher than other station. Natural and human resources both play a significant role in the release of metals. By conducting further studies on the source of dust in Tehran and using the results, effective control measures can be designed and implemented.
Behrooz Karimi, Maryam Shekarpour Roudbari, Katayoun Vakilian, Mohammad Javad Ghanadzadeh, Marjan Mahlouji,
Volume 28, Issue 6 (1-2026)
Abstract
Introduction: Exposure to heavy metals during pregnancy is associated with adverse health outcomes for both the mother and fetus. This study aimed to examine the impact of maternal exposure to heavy metals on pregnancy outcomes.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 270 pregnant women in Arak between 2023 and 2024. Urine samples were collected from 127 participants before 28 weeks of gestation and from 143 participants after 28 weeks until delivery. The concentrations of heavy metals, including lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic, chromium, nickel, and zinc, were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), a method known for its high accuracy, precision, and reproducibility in simultaneous element measurement. Birth weight, small-for-gestational-age (SGA), and large-for-gestational-age (LGA) infants were assessed. Multivariate linear regression was used to analyze the relationship between heavy metal concentrations and birth weight after adjusting for confounding factors such as maternal age, body mass index, education, and smoking status. Logistic regression models were employed to examine the association between metal concentrations and the likelihood of SGA and LGA outcomes
Results: The mean concentration of lead in maternal urine decreased from 0.7 to 0.65 µg/L, while mercury increased from 1.95 to 2.7 µg/L. Cadmium levels remained stable at 0.46 µg/L. Higher concentrations of lead, cadmium, and nickel were significantly associated with lower birth weight (Beta for lead: -34.0, P = 0.002; cadmium: -21, P = 0.005; nickel: -44, P = 0.01) and increased risk of SGA (OR for lead: 1.04, P = 0.03; cadmium: 1.03, P = 0.042; nickel: 1.12, P = 0.03). Mercury and zinc were linked to a higher likelihood of LGA (OR for mercury: 1.07, P = 0.018; zinc: 1.011, P = 0.012). No significant associations were observed for arsenic and chromium.
Conclusions: Exposure to heavy metals is associated with an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as SGA and reduced birth weight. These findings underscore the need for biomonitoring of heavy metal exposure, maternal education for at-risk populations, and policy measures to mitigate industrial pollution.
