Fine Particle Constituents and Mortality: A Time-Series Study in Beijing, China

There is a rising concern that fine particle (PM_2.5) compositions may play an important role in explaining PM_2.5-related mortality risks. However, PM_2.5 constituents responsible for these risks have not yet been determined. To date, there are few PM_2.5 constituent health studies in developing countries. We adopted a time-series approach, using generalized linear regression models to examine associations between short-term exposure to PM_2.5 constituents and mortality. We analyzed data stratified by sex and by age groups (<65, 65-74, and >74) from 2013 to 2015 in Beijing, China. We also investigated seasonal patterns of such associations. For a 0 day lag, interquartile range increases in potassium, calcium, magnesium, and organic carbon were associated with 0.51% (95% CI: 0.17-0.85), 2.07% (95% CI: 0.71-3.44), 0.26% (95% CI: 0.08-0.44), and 2.65% (95% CI: 0.18-5.18) increases in respiratory mortality, and sulfate with a 1.57% (95% CI: 0.04-3.12) increase in cardiovascular mortality. In the season-stratified analysis, the association of some constituents (potassium, calcium, magnesium, nitrate, sulfate, and organic carbon) with respiratory mortality appeared to be stronger in cold seasons than in warm seasons. Older adults (65-74) may be susceptible to certain compositions. Our findings provide evidence that link PM_2.5 constituents with mortality and suggest that adverse effects vary among constituents in different seasons.