Co Exposure And Hospital Admission Due To Cardiovascular Disease In Brazilian Amazon Region

Abstract

Introduction: Little research has been done on the potential adverse health effects in humans from current ambient exposure to generally low CO levels. Exposure to CO can cause heart problems. The objective is to assess the effects of CO exposure on heart disease in Porto Velho, RO. Methods: Time series ecological study carried out with information about air pollutants and hospital admissions due to cardiovascular diseases (I 00 - I 99, according to ICD-10) in residents of both sexes without age restriction, in the city of Porto Velho, RO. Generalized linear models Poisson regression controlling for seasonality, temperature, relative humidity and day of week were used to estimate the effects of exposure to CO concentration on hospital admissions. The study period was from 01.01.2010 to 31.12.2010. Lags of zero to five days were considered, since the effects of exposure to pollutants can be felt on the day of exposure (lag 0) up to five days after exposure (lag 5). The population attributable fraction (PAF) was calculated and reduction in the number of hospitalizations according to the decrease of 100 ppb was estimated. Results: The daily average of hospitalizations was 2.4 (sd 1.8) with a total of 860 hospital admissions; the average value of CO was 224.4 ppb (sd = 580.4); CO exposure was significant at lag 1, showing an acute effect of such exposure; RR = 1.004 (95% CI 1.001 -1.007). PAF was 33.1% and the reduction was 285 hospital admissions. Conclusion: the reduction on CO concentration can decrease number of hospital admission with consequent reduced costs for the public health system.