Exploring community-level health impacts of extreme temperatures and air pollution in older adult and immigrant populations living in Edmonton, AB

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Climate change and air pollution pose a significant challenge to public health as the health impacts of these exposures are felt at a local scale and depend on socio-environmental context. However, knowledge of what factors promote or reduce resilience to these exposures in Edmonton, AB (pop 972,223) is largely missing. Assessing the relationship between exposures to air pollution and extreme temperatures and community health, we will generate novel insights into the development of climate change and air pollution resilience in older adults and immigrants. Findings will inform community-level planning for effective, targeted adaptation measures and lay groundwork for developing a real-time vulnerability index based on climate change. METHODS: This exploratory ecological study assessed spatial differences in the association between climatic and air pollution variables (extreme temperatures, ambient air pollution) and health events (cardiovascular, respiratory, mental health, and musculoskeletal outcomes) among Edmonton’s Dissemination Areas using generalized linear models. Community-level factors (demographics, socioeconomic status, social isolation, active living environment, health facility availability) were explored in terms of confounding and effect modification. RESULTS:Preliminary results indicate certain air pollutants are associated with a higher risk for increased rates of health events per capita, as well as increasing age. We observed a healthy immigrant effect; areas with higher proportions of immigrants demonstrated lower rates of cardiovascular, mental health, and injury events. Material and social deprivation, access to green space, and active living environment were identified as critical community-level factors in specific relationships. CONCLUSIONS:The effects of air pollution and climate change exposures on a northern metropolitan’s community health depend on specific exposures, outcomes, and community characteristics. We need to further characterize how population composition and community characteristics (i.e. access to healthcare, social support) drive local health risk to target higher risk populations with meaningful approaches to reduce the health impact of climate change and air pollution. KEYWORDS: climate change, air pollution, community health, older adults, immigrants