Temporal relationship between air pollutants and hospital admissions for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Hong Kong

Ko, FW; Tam, W; Wong, TW; Chan, DP; Tung, AH; Lai, CKW; Hui, DSC

HERO ID

91639

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2007

Language

English

PMID

17311838

HERO ID 91639
In Press No
Year 2007
Title Temporal relationship between air pollutants and hospital admissions for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Hong Kong
Authors Ko, FW; Tam, W; Wong, TW; Chan, DP; Tung, AH; Lai, CKW; Hui, DSC
Journal Thorax
Volume 62
Issue 9
Page Numbers 780-785
Abstract AIMS: To assess any relationship between the levels of ambient air pollutants and hospital admissions for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Hong Kong. METHODS: A retrospective ecological study was undertaken. Data of daily emergency hospital admissions to 15 major hospitals in Hong Kong for COPD and indices of air pollutants (sulphur dioxide (SO(2)), nitrogen dioxide (NO(2)), ozone (O(3)), particulates with an aerodynamic diameter of <10 microm (PM(10)) and 2.5 microm (PM(2.5))) and meteorological variables from January 2000 to December 2004 were obtained from several government departments. Analysis was performed using generalised additive models with Poisson distribution, adjusted for the effects of time trend, season, other cyclical factors, temperature and humidity. Autocorrelation and overdispersion were corrected. RESULTS: Significant associations were found between hospital admissions for COPD with all five air pollutants. Relative risks for admission for every 10 microg/m(3) increase in SO(2), NO(2), O(3), PM(10) and PM(2.5) were 1.007, 1.026, 1.034, 1.024 and 1.031, respectively, at a lag day ranging from lag 0 to cumulative lag 0-5. In a multipollutant model, O(3), SO(2) and PM(2.5) were significantly associated with increased admissions for COPD. SO(2), NO(2) and O(3) had a greater effect on COPD admissions in the cold season (December to March) than during the warm season. CONCLUSION: Ambient concentrations of air pollutants have an adverse effect on hospital admissions for COPD in Hong Kong, especially during the winter season. This might be due to indoor exposure to outdoor pollution through open windows as central heating is not required in the mild winter. Measures to improve air quality are urgently needed.
Doi 10.1136/thx.2006.076166
Pmid 17311838
Wosid WOS:000249087500008
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Comments Temporal relationship between air pollutants and hospital admissions for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Hong Kong.Thorax 62: 780-785.
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Keyword Pollution Abstracts; Air quality; Particulates; Nitrogen dioxide; Sulfur dioxide; Aerodynamics; Meteorology; China, People's Rep., Hong Kong; Ozone; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; Particle size; Temperature; Humidity; Air pollution; winter; cold season; Side effects; emergency medical services; Hospitals; P 0000:AIR POLLUTION
Is Peer Review Yes