THE PHEWE PROJECT - ASSESSMENT AND PREVENTION OF ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS OF WEATHER CONDITIONS IN EUROPE

Abstract

ISEE-235 Abstract: The PHEWE project is a three-year pan-European collaboration between experts in the fields of epidemiology, meteorology, and public health from 17 cities. The general aim of the project is to assess the acute health effects of weather, both during warm and cold seasons in various European countries with widely differing climatic conditions. Specific objectives are to investigate the association between meteorological variables and acute health effects (mortality, hospital admissions) in these cities, and to use these results to develop preventive strategies. The project is broken down into eight work packages, led by different project partners supported by three working groups (epidemiology and statistics, meteorology, and public health). The database includes mortality data from 17 cities and hospital admission data from 12 cities for the available years between 1990 and 2000. For each city a large number of meteorological variables were collected, complex indicators were calculated, and a synoptic index developed. The short-term effect on mortality/morbidity is evaluated through city-specific and pooled time series analysis, addressing the following issues: threshold levels of weather variables, form of the dose-response curve, latency time between exposure and effect, and specific air masses associated with health effects. The interaction between weather and air pollutants is evaluated specifically. Health impact assessment is planned to quantify the effect in the different populations. A heat/health watch warning system to predict oppressive weather conditions and alert the population is being developed in a subgroup of cities. Another relevant aspect is the elaboration of strategies to minimise adverse health effects in Europe, and guidelines for public health interventions. After the first 18 months the European database has been completed and meteorological analysis of the single cities has been performed. City-specific analysis of the association between weather and health effects has been conducted. Three cities are currently experimenting with heat health watch warning systems; a survey of current preventive policies has been produced. Results of the short-term effects of temperature and humidity on mortality and hospital admissions will be presented. The study establishes the scientific basis for evaluating the health effects of global warming, and addresses the interaction between climatic conditions and air pollution. The specific focus on effect modification, considering variables associated with city-specific population characteristics, climate and environmental conditions is an important contribution to the knowledge in the field of weather and health.