Assessing the Relationship Between Particulate Matter Pollution and Pulmonary Diseases in Baghdad Using Remote Sensing Data

Baraa Al-Shaikhly; Bushra Ali Ahmed; Ali Al Maliki

Article Details

Assessing the Relationship Between Particulate Matter Pollution and Pulmonary Diseases in Baghdad Using Remote Sensing Data

Authors:

Baraa Al-Shaikhly | Bushra Ali Ahmed | Ali Al Maliki

Publisher:

Iraqi Geologists Union (Union of Iraqi Geologists)

Journal:

The Iraqi Geological Journal Vol.58 Issue 2C, pp.130-148

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

9/2025

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2001836883

pISSN:

2663-8754

Keywords:

Abstract:

 Baghdad is among the most polluted cities globally and faces severe air quality challenges due to its dense population, industrial activities, and energy production facilities. This study investigates the spatial relationship between particulate matter pollution (PM 2.5, and PM10) and respiratory health outcomes in Baghdad City, Iraq, using geospatial analysis. Health data on lung cancer, tuberculosis, and other pulmonary diseases were obtained from local hospitals, while daily pollutant concentration data of PM 2.5 and PM10 were collected from 20 locations during 2020 and 2024 using the Ventusky platform that uses the MODIS Aqua and Terra satellite information. The ordinary Kriging interpolation method was employed to generate spatial distribution maps of pollutant concentrations. The results of the study showed that particulate matter was highest in the central and western parts of Baghdad, especially in areas with dense traffic and urban activity. The Kriging maps revealed that many locations experienced pollution levels categorized as moderate to unhealthy for sensitive groups based on World Health Organization standards. A positive correlation was observed between monthly pollutant concentrations and respiratory disease cases, confirming the health impact of air pollution. Additionally, statistical analysis revealed that several areas with high concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) also recorded elevated rates of the respiratory diseases mentioned in this study, suggesting a spatial link between pollutant exposure and adverse health outcomes.

Article Details

Assessing the Relationship Between Particulate Matter Pollution and Pulmonary Diseases in Baghdad Using Remote Sensing Data

Authors:

Baraa Al-Shaikhly | Bushra Ali Ahmed | Ali Al Maliki

Publisher:

Iraqi Geologists Union (Union of Iraqi Geologists)

Journal:

The Iraqi Geological Journal Vol.58 Issue 2C, pp.130-148

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

9/2025

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2001836883

pISSN:

2663-8754

Particulate Matter

Air pollution

Public Health

Geospatial Analysis

Pulmonary Disease

Spatial Epidemiology

Issues

Article Details

Assessing the Relationship Between Particulate Matter Pollution and Pulmonary Diseases in Baghdad Using Remote Sensing Data

Authors: Baraa Al-Shaikhly | Bushra Ali Ahmed | Ali Al Maliki

Publisher: Iraqi Geologists Union (Union of Iraqi Geologists)

Journal: The Iraqi Geological Journal Vol.58 Issue 2C, pp.130-148

Document Type: Article

Publication Date: 9/2025

Document Language: English

Document ID (Org No.): 2001836883

pISSN: 2663-8754

Particulate Matter

Air pollution

Public Health

Geospatial Analysis

Pulmonary Disease

Spatial Epidemiology

Issues

Authors:

Baraa Al-Shaikhly | Bushra Ali Ahmed | Ali Al Maliki

Publisher:

Iraqi Geologists Union (Union of Iraqi Geologists)

Journal:

The Iraqi Geological Journal Vol.58 Issue 2C, pp.130-148

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

9/2025

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2001836883

pISSN:

2663-8754