Associate Professor, Department of Research Methodology and Data Analysis, Institute for Environmental Research (IER), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran & Center for Air Pollution Research (CAPR), Institute for Environmental Research (IER), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Abstract: (590 Views)
Background: Human activities have imposed harmful effects on the environment, threatening human health, biodiversity, and habitats. Consequently, efforts have been made to achieve effective interventions in the environmental field, which can be evaluated through a comprehensive understanding of changes in indicators. Considering the number and diversity of these indices, this article identifies priority indicators for Iran, aiming to inform policy-making. Methods: A set of indicators was examined from the indices of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education, the National Standard Organization, and the Department of Environment of Iran, as well as from international organizations, including the World Health Organization, the United Nations, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the European Environment Agency, the Joint Monitoring Program of WHO/UNICEF, the Environmental Performance Index reports, and indices from Canada. Results: A total of 22 priority indicators across various domains have been proposed for Iran, including outdoor and indoor air pollution, water quality, sanitation and hygiene, wastewater management, ultraviolet radiation, waste management, climate change, indoor exposure to heavy metals and radon gas, electromagnetic waves, the burden of diseases attributed to environmental risk factors, ecosystems, and the distribution of urban and rural populations. Conclusion: By establishing a standardized set of these indicators, policymakers can track the progress of their environmental initiatives and assess their effectiveness. This evidence-based approach helps ensure that environmental efforts are targeted and effective in addressing the most pressing issues.
Shamsipour1 M, Hassanvand M S, Ajami B, Faridi S, Hadi M, nadafi K, et al . Identification and Prioritization of National and International Environmental Indicators for Iran. Iran J Cult Health Promot 2025; 8 (4) :432-439 URL: http://ijhp.ir/article-1-1047-en.html