Measurement and Evaluation of Dust Concentrations in the Air After the Kahramanmaraş Earthquake in Turkey

The 6 February 2023 earthquake in Kahramanmaraş, Turkey, caused significant debris accumulation, raising concerns about air quality and public health. This study assessed dust concentrations during debris removal and emergency response efforts over a five-day period. Post-disaster respirable and total dust concentrations were measured using dust monitoring devices and the MDHS-14/3 gravimetric method. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analyses identified fibrous structures and elements associated with asbestos, suggesting potential long-term health risks such as asbestosis and lung cancer. The average respirable dust concentration was 30.84 mg/m³, and the total dust concentration was 33.66 mg/m³. The findings emphasize the urgent need for protective measures to mitigate exposure risks for affected populations and emergency responders. Integrating health risk assessments into disaster management strategies are crucial to reducing long-term public health impacts.