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Particulate air pollution and hospitalization for asthma
R Y Tseng1, C K Li, J A Spinks
1Department of Pediatrics, Chinese University, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong.
Annals of Allergy
|May 1, 1992
Summary
Young children are vulnerable to air pollution. Increased total suspended particles (TSP) correlated with higher asthma hospitalizations in children aged 1-4 years, indicating a need for pollution control.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Asthma hospitalizations in Hong Kong showed increasing trends in children but not adults between 1983-1989.
- Children under 14 accounted for 56% of all asthma-related hospital discharges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between air pollutant levels and age-specific asthma hospital discharge rates in Hong Kong.
- To identify specific pollutants and age groups most affected by air pollution.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of age-specific quarterly asthma hospital discharge data (1983-1989).
- Correlation with mean levels of six air pollutants: SO2, O3, TSP, RSP, NO2, and NOX.
- Univariate analysis and stepwise multiple regression, controlling for seasonal and annual trends.
Main Results:
- A strong positive correlation (r=0.62) was found between total suspended particles (TSP) and hospital discharge rates in 1-4 year olds (P<0.001).
- An inverse relationship was observed between sulfur dioxide (SO2) levels and discharge rates in 5-14 year olds (r=-0.38, P<0.05).
- Multiple regression confirmed TSP as a significant predictor of hospitalization in young children.
Conclusions:
- Young children (1-4 years) are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of air pollution, specifically TSP.
- The findings provide a basis for implementing pollution control strategies to reduce pediatric asthma hospitalizations.