إدارة جودة الهواء من منظور تحمل المخاطر : دراسة حالة تركيز الجسيمات الدقيقة بمملكة البحرين

الملخص EN

Air quality is a critical environmental issue because of its impacts on human health and the economy.

The aim of this study was to apply the risk tolerance concept to air quality management in general, and specifically to particulate matter (PM2.5) in Bahrain.

A quantitative research approach was applied, entailing the estimation of economic cost of health impacts from air pollution combined with a survey administered among 150 participants from the public.

The results revealed that the mean annual concentration of PM2.5 had decreased in 2019 compared with PM2.5 concentrations in the previous two years, reaching 43 μg/m3.

However, this quantity is still above 10 μg/m3, which is the maximum level recommended by the WHO.

This high concentration may have accounted for a minimum of 236 deaths from six different diseases in 2017 and in economic losses of at least US$16 million.

The survey results showed that the majority of the participants were aware of the harmful effects of PM2.5.

However, they desired more awareness campaigns on how to reduce its health impacts and contribute to its reduction.

The application of risk tolerance to air quality management can be envisaged based on four main aspects: risk avoidance, risk mitigation, risk transference, and risk acceptance.

An open platform for sharing air quality data and the public’s participation in the management of air quality are key recommendations.

Moreover, epidemiological studies should be conducted, in collaboration with the Gulf Health Council, on how air pollution affects human health in the Gulf countries.