Abstract
Human beings are constantly exposed to many kinds of environmental agents which affect their health and lifespan. Galactic cosmic rays (GCRs) are the main source of ionizing radiation in the lower troposphere, in which secondary products can penetrate the ground and underground layers. GCRs affect the physical–chemical properties of the terrestrial atmosphere, as well as the biosphere. GCRs are modulated by solar activity and latitudinal geomagnetic field distribution. In our ecological/populational retrospective study, we analyzed the correlation between the annual flux of local secondary GCR-induced ionization (CRII) and mortality rates in the city of Sao Paulo, Brazil, between 1951–2012. The multivariate linear regression analyses adjusted by demographic and weather parameters showed that CRII are significantly correlated with total mortality, infectious disease mortality, maternal mortality, and perinatal mortality rates (p < 0.001). The underlying mechanisms are still unclear. Further cross-sectional and experimental cohort studies are necessary to understand the biophysical mechanisms of the association found here.
Highlights
The Earth’s atmosphere is constantly bombarded by a variety of sources of extra-terrestrial ionizing radiation, such as galactic cosmic rays (GCRs) (Calisto et al 2011, Usoskin and Kovaltsov 2006, Usoskin et al 2011, Usoskin et al 2009)
In our ecological/populational retrospective study, we analyzed the correlation between the annual flux of local secondary Galactic cosmic rays (GCRs)-induced ionization (CRII) and mortality rates in the city of Sao Paulo, Brazil, between 1951–2012
Plots relating average solar activity and mortality rates are shown in figure 2
Summary
The Earth’s atmosphere is constantly bombarded by a variety of sources of extra-terrestrial ionizing radiation, such as galactic cosmic rays (GCRs) (Calisto et al 2011, Usoskin and Kovaltsov 2006, Usoskin et al 2011, Usoskin et al 2009). The collisions between primary GCRs and atmospheric gas molecules result in a cascade of chemical and physical reactions producing secondary cosmic rays, which penetrate the Earth’s surface and underground layers (Calisto et al 2011, Usoskin and Kovaltsov 2006, Usoskin et al 2009, Li and Beacom 2015). All of these processes result in atmospheric air ionization, which has been associated with atmospheric electricity, cloudiness, and climate, all affecting human health (Kirkby et al 2011, Kirkby 2007)
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