The effects of dust-haze on mortality are modified by seasons and individual characteristics in Guangzhou, China

Environ Pollut. 2014 Apr:187:116-23. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2013.12.027. Epub 2014 Jan 26.

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dust-haze on mortality and to estimate the seasonal and individual-specific modification effects in Guangzhou, China. Mortality, air pollution and meteorological data were collected for 2006-2011. A dust-haze day was defined as daily visibility <10 km with relative humidity <90%. This definition was further divided into light (8-10 km), medium (5-8 km) and heavy dust-haze (<5 km). A distributed lag linear model (DLM) was employed. Light, medium and heavy dust-haze days were associated with increased mortality of 3.4%, 6.8% and 10.4% respectively, at a lag of 0-6 days. This effect was more pronounced during the cold season, for cardiovascular mortality (CVD), respiratory mortality (RESP), in males and people ≥60years. These effects became insignificant after adjustment for PM10. We concluded that dust-haze significantly increased mortality risk in Guangzhou, China, and this effect appears to be dominated by particulate mass and modified by season and individual-specific factors.

Keywords: Dust–haze; Excess risk; Lag effect; Mortality; Season.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Air Pollutants / analysis*
  • Air Pollution / statistics & numerical data*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / mortality*
  • Cerebrovascular Disorders / mortality*
  • China / epidemiology
  • Dust / analysis*
  • Environmental Exposure / analysis
  • Environmental Exposure / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Linear Models
  • Male
  • Respiratory Tract Diseases / mortality*
  • Seasons

Substances

  • Air Pollutants
  • Dust