Lung Cancer and Pleural Mesothelioma Risk Assessment for the General Population Exposed to Asbestos in Different Regions of Tehran, Iran

Asbestos is a natural fiber that induce health risk such as chronic lung diseases. The aim of this study was to estimate pleural mesothelioma and lung cancer risk for a population exposure to asbestos in Tehran, Iran.

According to the annual report of Air Quality Control Company (AQCC), from 2011-2020, carcinogenic risk and mesothelioma was assessed based on environmental protection agency (EPA) method using the Monte Carlo simulation (MCS). Relative risk of morality cancer was calculated based on Camus et al' model. Also, mesothelioma risk was estimated by Bourgault et al' model.

The mean concentration and health risk of asbestos in ambient air has generally reduced from 2011 to 2020. The highest mortality risks for lung cancer, was 8.4 per 100,000 persons in 2011. It had reduced to 1.8, in 2017. For mesothelioma, the corresponding numbers were 8.96 per 100,000 persons in 2011 and it had also reduced to 1.92 in 2017.

Finding of this study could be helpful for health policy makers in management of asbestos risk.