Short-term effect of PM2.5/O3 on non-accidental and respiratory deaths in highly polluted area of China

Abstract

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of short-term exposure to PM2.5 and ozone in high-level areas on respiratory deaths and non-accidental deaths. MethodsTime-series analysis was used to investigate the association between PM2.5/O3 and non-accidental deaths and respiratory deaths at Hefei, China from 2013 to 2015. ResultsPM2.5 and O3 exposure were associated with elevated non-accidental and respiratory deaths. With every 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5, the rate of respiratory deaths and non-accidental deaths increased by 1.24% (95%CI: 0.29%–2.20%) and 0.36% (95%CI: 0.10%–0.63%), respectively. In addition, every 10 μg/m3 increase in ozone also associated with 2.22% (95%CI: 0.56%–3.90%) and 0.05% (95%CI: 0.42%-0.53%) increase in respiratory deaths and non-accidental deaths, respectively. The analysis of multi-pollutant model showed that the inclusion of ozone further increased the effects of PM2.5 on respiratory deaths. The inclusion of PM2.5 decreased the effects of O3 on respiratory deaths. In addition, the effects of PM2.5/O3 on daily respiratory and non-accidental deaths were more evident in the cold season, females and elderlies (65 years or older). ConclusionsShort-term exposure of high-level PM2.5 and ozone increased the risk of respiratory and non-accidental deaths. Females and elderlies are more susceptible to PM2.5/O3 exposure.