The association between inhalable particulate matter and YLL caused by COPD in a typical city in northern China

Abstract

BackgroundChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has become the fourth-leading cause of death. The association between air pollution and years of life lost (YLL) caused by COPD is currently a hot topic; however, few studies have been published regarding COPD YLL around the world, especially in China, a highly polluted area. AimWe investigated the exposure-response association between ambient particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 10 μm (PM10) and COPD YLL. MethodsWe applied a generalized additive model (GAM) to estimate the short-term effects of PM10 on COPD YLL and mortality from 2002 to 2010 in Tianjin. ResultsThe annual mean concentration of PM10 was 111.6 μg/m3. An increase in PM10 was significantly associated with daily YLL and mortality in a single pollutant model. A 10 μg/m3 increase in the two-day moving average of PM10 was associated with the maximum YLL increment of 0.30 (95% confidence interval: 0.06, 0.54) person-years and an excess risk (ER) of mortality of 0.60% (0.20%, 1.01%). For YLL increases, the association is stronger in elderly (0.27 (0.06, 0.48), the cumulative effect) populations than in younger populations. ConclusionsAn increment of COPD YLL is associated with an increased PM10 concentration. Elderly groups are more susceptible to air pollution. Strict air pollutant emission control is needed to protect public health.