Spatiotemporal characteristics and health effects of air pollutants in Shenzhen

Abstract

In this study, spatiotemporal patterns and health effects in all-cause mortality of air pollutants (CO, NO2, and SO2) during 2013 in Shenzhen were investigated. Spatiotemporal characteristics of air quality index (AQI) and air quality are also addressed. The results show that daily averages were 10.9 μg/m3 for SO2, 39.6 μg/m3 for NO2, and 1.2 mg/m3 for CO. Daily AQI ranged from 24 to 179. There were approximately 39 days of air pollution in Shenzhen. NO2 was the third major air pollutant. Monthly/hourly average AQI and concentrations of NO2 and SO2 in the city center area were higher than in tourist areas. Annual AQI and NO2 concentration were higher in western parts of Shenzhen, whereas SO2 was higher in eastern portions. The lowest CO concentration was in the Luohu District. Relative risks of mortality number increased with SO2/NO2 levels. When SO2/NO2 concentration changed, female individuals were more sensitive than male individuals, and people aged older than 65 years were more affected than younger people.