dispersion of particulate matter using aermod model and health risk assessment: case study saveh gypsum industry

Air pollution remains a major environmental challenge, and gypsum industries contribute significantly to particulate matter (pm10) emissions. this study quantified pm10 emissions from the chimney of a white gypsum factory (saveh, iran), using epa emission factors. aermod dispersion model simulated pm10 concentrations across the region, incorporating chimney data, meteorological records, and local topography. maximum concentrations within 3 and 5 km radii were analyzed at 1-hour, 8-hour, 24-hour, monthly, and annual intervals. the results showed that the maximum pm10 concentrations in 24 hours were 32.62 μg/m3 (3 km) and 29.34 μg/m3 (5 km), which are 78.25 and 80.44% lower than the iranian national standard (150 μg/m3), respectively. health risk assessments showed the non-carcinogenic risk index and carcinogenic risk index within acceptable limits for children and adults. however, cumulative greenhouse gas emissions from regional industries may increase long-term risks to surrounding villages.