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Does temperature modify the association between air pollution and mortality? A multicity case-crossover analysis in
M Stafoggia1, J Schwartz, F Forastiere
1Department of Epidemiology, Rome E Health Authority, Rome, Italy. stafoggia@asplazio.it
American Journal of Epidemiology
|April 15, 2008
Summary
Higher levels of particulate matter (PM10) significantly increase mortality risk, especially during summer. Temperature strongly modifies this association, suggesting enhanced particle exposure during warmer periods.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Epidemiology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Adverse health effects of particulate matter less than 10 micrometers in aerodynamic diameter (PM10) and high temperatures are established.
- The interaction between PM10 and temperature concerning mortality risk requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the effect modification of temperature on the PM10-mortality association.
- To test the hypothesis that increased PM10 effects in summer are linked to enhanced particle exposure.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a case-crossover approach analyzing mortality data from nine Italian cities (1997-2004).
- Assessed PM10 effects on mortality stratified by season and temperature levels (low, medium, high ventilation).
- Investigated the interaction between PM10 and temperature within different temperature strata.
Main Results:
- Temperature and season significantly modified the PM10-mortality link.
- A 10 microg/m(3) increase in PM10 correlated with a 2.54% mortality risk increase in summer versus 0.20% in winter.
- Higher PM10 effects on mortality were observed on warmer days, with non-statistically significant interaction coefficients.
Conclusions:
- PM10 poses a greater mortality risk on warmer days, particularly during summer.
- The hypothesis of enhanced particle exposure contributing to higher summer PM10 effects could not be rejected.
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