Short- and Long-term Exposure to Nitrogen Dioxide and Mortality: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background. Air pollution is a major public health concern. There has been growing interest in the health effects of traffic-related air pollution, in particular nitrogen dioxide (NO2).Methods. We conducted a systematic search for studies that were published from January 1, 2000 through January 1, 2020 and performed a meta-analysis of all available epidemiology studies that evaluated the associations of short- and long-term exposure to NO2 with mortality. Pooled effect estimates and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using random-effects models.Results. Meta-analysis of effect estimates suggested significant associations between short- and long-term exposure to NO2 and all-cause, cardiovascular, and respiratory mortality, with evidence of substantial between-study heterogeneity.Conclusion. Evidence on adverse health effects of both short- and long-term exposure to NO2 is consistent.Keywords Nitrogen dioxide; Air pollution; Mortality; Meta-analysis; Systematic review