Association between short-term exposure to high-level particulate matter (PM1 , PM2.5, and PM10) of smoke Peganum harmala seeds with blood pressure: A quasi-experimental study

Background: Air pollution is considered one of the most important causes of premature deaths. The part of indoor pollution investigated is related to people’s culture and behavior. Burning Peganum harmala seeds (called Espand) is a religious and cultural practice that is done by many people in Iran, India, and Morocco, which leads to the emission of particulate matters (PMs) into the environment. Methods: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the exposures of PMs emitted from burned P. harmala seeds with some cardiovascular parameters. For this purpose, the systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and heart rate (HR) of 37 healthy participants per explanatory factors were compared before and after the exposure to PMs (PM1 , PM2.5, and PM10) emitted from burned Espand in a control room. Results: The results showed a significant decrease and increase in SBP and HR, respectively. The decrease in DBP was insignificant. Younger people (less than 35 years) had a considerable HR increase (P=0.028) compared to older people. Moreover, exposure to PMs increased the DBP of smokers and decreased the blood pressure of non-smokers. Therefore, reducing exposure to PMs emitted from burned Espand is necessary, especially for those with cardiovascular and respiratory problems and children. Conclusion: The reduction can be made by decreasing the exposure frequency, exposure time, and burned Espand weight. Doing cultural-religious ceremonies outdoors can also considerably reduce exposure to PMs.