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Relation between income, air pollution and mortality: a cohort study
Murray M Finkelstein1, Michael Jerrett, Patrick DeLuca
1Program in Occupational Health and Environmental Medicine, the Institute of Environment and Health, and Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON. murray.finkelstein@utoronto.ca
Summary
Neighborhood income and air pollution levels significantly impact mortality rates. Higher pollution and lower income were linked to increased nonaccidental deaths, highlighting their role as health determinants.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Community air pollution is linked to mortality variability.
- Previous studies used citywide pollutant exposure.
- This study examined neighborhood income and air pollution's effect on mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate mortality in relation to neighborhood income and air pollution levels.
- To assess the association between socioeconomic status, air quality, and mortality risk.
- To understand the impact of local environmental factors on health outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from 5228 individuals in Hamilton-Burlington undergoing pulmonary function testing (1985-1999).
- Ascertained nonaccidental deaths (1992-1999) from the Ontario Mortality Registry.
- Estimated mean household income (1996 census) and neighborhood pollutant levels (total suspended particulates, sulfur dioxide) using postal codes and interpolation.
Main Results:
- Higher pollutant levels were observed in lower-income neighborhoods.
- Both income and pollutant levels were associated with mortality differences.
- Individuals in lower-income/higher-pollution areas faced significantly higher nonaccidental death risks (RR 2.62).
Conclusions:
- Mortality rates varied significantly by neighborhood of residence within the study cohort.
- Neighborhood income and air pollution levels are critical correlates of mortality.
- These findings underscore the importance of socioeconomic and environmental factors in public health.