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Zhao Z, Chu J, Ren J, Xu C, Xu X, Cao Y, Schikowski T, Zhao Q, Liu Q, Chen G, Lu Z, Guo X, Ma W, Wang H, Ma J. Effect Modification of Heat-Related Mortality Risk by Air Pollutants in Shandong, China. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2024; 111:440-446. [PMID: 38917823 PMCID: PMC11310602 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Although studies have reported the modification effect of air pollutants on heat-related health risk, little is known on the modification effect among various particulate matter with different particle size on mortality. We aimed to investigate whether the associations of hot temperatures with daily mortality were modified by different air pollutant levels in Shandong Province, China. Daily data of air pollutants, meteorological factors, and mortality of 1,822 subdistricts in Shandong province from 2013 to 2018 were collected. We used a time-stratified case-crossover model with an interaction term between the cross-basis term for ambient temperature and the linear function of particulate matter ≤1 µm (PM1), PM2.5, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone to obtain heat-mortality associations during the hot season. Results showed that the cumulative odds ratio of extreme heat on mortality over 0 to 10 days was 3.66 (95% CI: 3.10-4.31). The mortality risk during hot seasons was stronger at high air pollutant levels. The modification effect of particulate matters on heat-related mortality decreased by its aerodynamic diameter. Females and older adults over 75 years were more vulnerable to the modification effect of air pollutants, and significant differences were detected in the association between temperatures and mortality stratified by PM1 and PM2.5. Higher heat-related mortality risks were observed at high NO2 levels, especially for cardiorespiratory disease. The findings suggest that more consideration should be given to the combined effect of very fine particles and NO2 with ambient heat when developing healthcare strategies, and women and older adults should be given priority in health-related settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhonghui Zhao
- Shandong Public Health Clinical Center, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong University Climate Change and Health Center, Jinan, China
| | - Jie Chu
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
- Academy of Preventive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jie Ren
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
- Academy of Preventive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Chunxiao Xu
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
- Academy of Preventive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaohui Xu
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
- Academy of Preventive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yanwen Cao
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong University Climate Change and Health Center, Jinan, China
| | - Tamara Schikowski
- Department of Epidemiology, IUF-Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Qi Zhao
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong University Climate Change and Health Center, Jinan, China
- Department of Epidemiology, IUF-Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Qiyong Liu
- Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Gongbo Chen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zilong Lu
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
- Academy of Preventive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaolei Guo
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
- Academy of Preventive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Wei Ma
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong University Climate Change and Health Center, Jinan, China
| | - Haitao Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong University Climate Change and Health Center, Jinan, China
| | - Jixiang Ma
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
- Academy of Preventive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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Tran NQL, Nguyen TTV, Chu C, Phung H, Nghiem S, Phung D. Ambient Temperature Effects on Hospitalization Risk Among Farmers: A Time-Series Study on Multiple Diseases in Vietnam. J Occup Environ Med 2024; 66:321-328. [PMID: 38234216 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000003048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the study is to assess the effect of high temperatures on hospitalization for all causes and heat-sensitive diseases among Vietnamese farmers. METHODS The Poisson generalized linear model and distributed lag nonlinear model were used to investigate the temperature-hospitalization association for all causes and seven cause-specific disease groups. RESULTS Every 1°C increase in daily mean temperature above the threshold increased the estimated relative risk (95% CI) of all-cause hospitalization by 1.022 (0.998-1.047) at the country level, 1.047 (1.007-1.089) in the south, and 0.982 (0.958-1.006) in the north. Infectious disease hospitalization was most affected by high temperatures (1.098 [1.057-1.140]). High temperatures significantly increased the risk of all-cause hospitalization for farmers 60 years and younger in three of the six provinces. CONCLUSIONS The findings emphasized the need for health promotion programs to prevent heat-related health issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nu Quy Linh Tran
- From the Center for Environment and Population Health, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia (N.Q.L.T., C.C., H.P.); Graduate School of Public Health, International University of Health and Welfare, Narita, Japan (N.T.T.V.); Research School of Economics, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia (S.N.); and School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia (D.P.)
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Lakhoo DP, Chersich MF, Jack C, Maimela G, Cissé G, Solarin I, Ebi KL, Chande KS, Dumbura C, Makanga PT, van Aardenne L, Joubert BR, McAllister KA, Ilias M, Makhanya S, Luchters S. Protocol of an individual participant data meta-analysis to quantify the impact of high ambient temperatures on maternal and child health in Africa (HE 2AT IPD). BMJ Open 2024; 14:e077768. [PMID: 38262654 PMCID: PMC10824032 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-077768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Globally, recognition is growing of the harmful impacts of high ambient temperatures (heat) on health in pregnant women and children. There remain, however, major evidence gaps on the extent to which heat increases the risks for adverse health outcomes, and how this varies between settings. Evidence gaps are especially large in Africa. We will conduct an individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis to quantify the impacts of heat on maternal and child health in sub-Saharan Africa. A detailed understanding and quantification of linkages between heat, and maternal and child health is essential for developing solutions to this critical research and policy area. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We will use IPD from existing, large, longitudinal trial and cohort studies, on pregnant women and children from sub-Saharan Africa. We will systematically identify eligible studies through a mapping review, searching data repositories, and suggestions from experts. IPD will be acquired from data repositories, or through collaboration with data providers. Existing satellite imagery, climate reanalysis data, and station-based weather observations will be used to quantify weather and environmental exposures. IPD will be recoded and harmonised before being linked with climate, environmental, and socioeconomic data by location and time. Adopting a one-stage and two-stage meta-analysis method, analytical models such as time-to-event analysis, generalised additive models, and machine learning approaches will be employed to quantify associations between exposure to heat and adverse maternal and child health outcomes. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study has been approved by ethics committees. There is minimal risk to study participants. Participant privacy is protected through the anonymisation of data for analysis, secure data transfer and restricted access. Findings will be disseminated through conferences, journal publications, related policy and research fora, and data may be shared in accordance with data sharing policies of the National Institutes of Health. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42022346068.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darshnika Pemi Lakhoo
- Wits RHI, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Chris Jack
- Climate System Analysis Group, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
| | - Gloria Maimela
- Wits RHI, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Guéladio Cissé
- University Peleforo Gon Coulibaly, Korhogo, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Ijeoma Solarin
- Wits RHI, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Kshama S Chande
- Wits RHI, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Cherlynn Dumbura
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Prestige Tatenda Makanga
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Place Alert Labs, Department of Surveying and Geomatics, Faculty of the Built Environment, Midlands State University, Gweru, Zimbabwe
| | - Lisa van Aardenne
- Climate System Analysis Group, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
| | - Bonnie R Joubert
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kimberly A McAllister
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Maliha Ilias
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Stanley Luchters
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent Unviersity, Ghent, Belgium
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Palmeiro-Silva YK, Lescano AG, Flores EC, Astorga E Y, Rojas L, Chavez MG, Mora-Rivera W, Hartinger SM. Identifying gaps on health impacts, exposures, and vulnerabilities to climate change on human health and wellbeing in South America: a scoping review. LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. AMERICAS 2023; 26:100580. [PMID: 37876675 PMCID: PMC10593580 DOI: 10.1016/j.lana.2023.100580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
There is an important gap in regional information on climate change and health, limiting the development of science-based climate policies in South American countries. This study aims to identify the main gaps in the existing scientific literature on the impacts, exposure, and vulnerabilities of climate change on population health. A scoping review was performed guided by four sub-questions focused on the impacts of climate change on physical and mental health, exposure and vulnerability factors of population to climate hazards. The main findings showed that physical impacts mainly included infectious diseases, while mental health impacts included trauma, depression, and anxiety. Evidence on population exposure to climate hazards is limited, and social determinants of health and individual factors were identified as vulnerability factors. Overall, evidence on the intersection between climate change and health is limited in South America and has been generated in silos, with limited transdisciplinary research. More formal and systematic information should be generated to inform public policy. Funding None.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasna K. Palmeiro-Silva
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Centro de Políticas Públicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Andres G. Lescano
- Clima, Latin American Center of Excellence for Climate Change and Health, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- Emerge, Emerging Diseases and Climate Change Research Unit, School of Public Health and Administration, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Elaine C. Flores
- Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- The Stanford Center for Innovation in Global Health, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Yamileth Astorga E
- Escuela de Tecnologías en Salud, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Pedro, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Luciana Rojas
- Clima, Latin American Center of Excellence for Climate Change and Health, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Mario G. Chavez
- Emerge, Emerging Diseases and Climate Change Research Unit, School of Public Health and Administration, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- Sociedad Científica de San Fernando, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Wendel Mora-Rivera
- InterAmerican Center for Global Health (CISG), Puntarenas, Costa Rica
- Escuela de Enfermería, Universidad Latina de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Stella M. Hartinger
- Clima, Latin American Center of Excellence for Climate Change and Health, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
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Fatima SH, Rothmore P, Giles LC, Bi P. Intra-urban risk assessment of occupational injuries and illnesses associated with current and projected climate: Evidence from three largest Australian cities. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 228:115855. [PMID: 37028539 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increased risk of occupational injuries and illnesses (OI) is associated with ambient temperature. However, most studies have reported the average impacts within cities, states, or provinces at broader scales. METHODS We assessed the intra-urban risk of OI associated with ambient temperature in three Australian cities at statistical area level 3 (SA3). We collected daily workers' compensation claims data and gridded meteorological data from July 1, 2005, to June 30, 2018. Heat index was used as the primary temperature metric. We performed a two-stage time series analysis: we generated location-specific estimates using Distributed Lag Non-Linear Models (DLNM) and estimated the cumulative effects with multivariate meta-analysis. The risk was estimated at moderate heat (90th percentile) and extreme heat (99th percentile). Subgroup analyses were conducted to identify vulnerable groups of workers. Further, the OI risk in the future was estimated for two projected periods: 2016-2045 and 2036-2065. RESULTS The cumulative risk of OI was 3.4% in Greater Brisbane, 9.5% in Greater Melbourne, and 8.9% in Greater Sydney at extreme heat. The western inland regions in Greater Brisbane (17.4%) and Greater Sydney (32.3%) had higher risk of OI for younger workers, workers in outdoor and indoor industries, and workers reporting injury claims. The urbanized SA3 regions posed a higher risk (19.3%) for workers in Greater Melbourne. The regions were generally at high risk for young workers and illness-related claims. The projected risk of OI increased with time in climate change scenarios. CONCLUSIONS This study provides a comprehensive spatial profile of OI risk associated with hot weather conditions across three cities in Australia. Risk assessment at the intra-urban level revealed strong spatial patterns in OI risk distribution due to heat exposure. These findings provide much-needed scientific evidence for work, health, and safety regulators, industries, unions, and workers to design and implement location-specific preventative measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syeda Hira Fatima
- School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Paul Rothmore
- School of Allied Health Science and Practice, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Lynne C Giles
- School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Peng Bi
- School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
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Deng S, Han A, Jin S, Wang S, Zheng J, Jalaludin BB, Hajat S, Liang W, Huang C. Effect of extreme temperatures on asthma hospital visits: Modification by event characteristics and healthy behaviors. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 226:115679. [PMID: 36913996 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Although ambient temperature has been linked to asthma exacerbation, impacts associated with extreme temperature events remain unclear. This study aims to identify the events characteristics that elevate risk of asthma hospital visits, and to assess whether healthy behavior changes due to the COVID-19 prevention and control policy may modify the relationships. Data of asthma hospital visits from all medical facilities in Shenzhen, China during 2016-2020 were assessed in relation to extreme temperature events using a distributed lag model. Stratified analysis was conducted by gender, age and hospital department to identify susceptible populations. Through events defined by various duration days and temperature thresholds, we explored the modification by events intensity, length, occurrence time and healthy behaviors. The cumulative relative risk of asthma during heat waves compared to other days was 1.06 (95%CI: 1.00-1.13) and for cold spells was 1.17 (95%CI: 1.05-1.30), and that of males and school-aged children were generally higher than other sub-groups. There were significant effects of heat waves and cold spells on asthma hospital visits when the mean temperature was above 90th percentile (30 °C) and below 10th percentile (14 °C) respectively, and the relative risks were higher when events lasted longer, became stronger, occurred in daytime and in early summer or winter. During the healthy behaviors maintaining period, the risk of heat waves increased whilst the risk of cold spells reduced. Extreme temperatures may pose considerable impact on asthma and the health effect can be modified by the event characteristics and anti-epidemic healthy behaviors. Strategies of asthma control should consider the heightened threats of the intense and frequent extreme temperature events in the context of climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shizhou Deng
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Shanghai Typhoon Institute, China Meteorological Administration & Shanghai Key Laboratory of Meteorology and Health, Shanghai Meteorological Service, Shanghai, China
| | - Azhu Han
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuyan Jin
- Department of Prevention and Health Care, Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shuang Wang
- Shenzhen Health Development Research and Data Management Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jing Zheng
- Shenzhen Health Development Research and Data Management Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Bin B Jalaludin
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Shakoor Hajat
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Wannian Liang
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China; Institute of Healthy China, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
| | - Cunrui Huang
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China; Institute of Healthy China, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
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Zhao Z, Chu J, Xu X, Cao Y, Schikowski T, Geng M, Chen G, Bai G, Hu K, Xia J, Ma W, Liu Q, Lu Z, Guo X, Zhao Q. Association between ambient cold exposure and mortality risk in Shandong Province, China: Modification effect of particulate matter size. Front Public Health 2023; 10:1093588. [PMID: 36684922 PMCID: PMC9850236 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1093588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Numerous studies have reported the modification of particulate matters (PMs) on the association between cold temperature and health. However, it remains uncertain whether the modification effect may vary by size of PMs, especially in Shandong Province, China where the disease burdens associated with cold temperature and PMs are both substantial. This study aimed to examine various interactive effects of cold exposure and ambient PMs with diameters ≤1/2.5 μm (PM1 and PM2.5) on premature deaths in Shandong Province, China. Methods In the 2013-2018 cold seasons, data on daily mortality, PM1 and PM2.5, and weather conditions were collected from the 1822 sub-districts of Shandong Province. A time-stratified case-crossover study design was performed to quantify the cumulative association between ambient cold and mortality over lag 0-12 days, with a linear interactive term between temperature and PM1 and PM2.5 additionally added into the model. Results The mortality risk increased with temperature decline, with the cumulative OR of extreme cold (-16.9°C, the 1st percentile of temperature range) being 1.83 (95% CI: 1.66, 2.02), compared with the minimum mortality temperature. The cold-related mortality risk was 2.20 (95%CI: 1.83, 2.64) and 2.24 (95%CI: 1.78, 2.81) on high PM1 and PM2.5 days, which dropped to 1.60 (95%CI: 1.39, 1.84) and 1.60 (95%CI: 1.37, 1.88) on low PM1 and PM2.5 days. PM1 showed greater modification effect for per unit concentration increase than PM2.5. For example, for each 10?g/m3 increase in PM1 and PM2.5, the mortality risk associated with extreme cold temperature increased by 7.6% (95% CI: 1.3%, 14.2%) and 2.6% (95% CI: -0.7%, 5.9%), respectively. Discussion The increment of smaller PMs' modification effect varied by population subgroups, which was particularly strong in the elderly aged over 75 years and individuals with middle school education and below. Specific health promotion strategies should be developed towards the greater modification effect of smaller PMs on cold effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhonghui Zhao
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Shandong University, Jinan, China,Shandong University Climate Change and Health Center, Jinan, China
| | - Jie Chu
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, China,Academy of Preventive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaohui Xu
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, China,Academy of Preventive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yanwen Cao
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Shandong University, Jinan, China,Shandong University Climate Change and Health Center, Jinan, China
| | - Tamara Schikowski
- Department of Epidemiology, Leibniz Institute for Environmental Medicine (IUF)-Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Mengjie Geng
- Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Gongbo Chen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Guannan Bai
- Department of Child Health Care, The Children's Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kejia Hu
- Department of Big Data in Health Science, School of Public Health, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jingjing Xia
- School of Life Sciences, Greater Bay Area Institute of Precision Medicine (Guangzhou), Fudan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Ma
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Shandong University, Jinan, China,Shandong University Climate Change and Health Center, Jinan, China
| | - Qiyong Liu
- Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Zilong Lu
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, China,Academy of Preventive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaolei Guo
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, China,Academy of Preventive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China,Xiaolei Guo ✉
| | - Qi Zhao
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Shandong University, Jinan, China,Shandong University Climate Change and Health Center, Jinan, China,Department of Epidemiology, Leibniz Institute for Environmental Medicine (IUF)-Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany,*Correspondence: Qi Zhao ✉
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Zhao Q, Yu P, Mahendran R, Huang W, Gao Y, Yang Z, Ye T, Wen B, Wu Y, Li S, Guo Y. Global climate change and human health: Pathways and possible solutions. ECO-ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH (ONLINE) 2022; 1:53-62. [PMID: 38075529 PMCID: PMC10702927 DOI: 10.1016/j.eehl.2022.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2023]
Abstract
Global warming has been changing the planet's climate pattern, leading to increasing frequency, intensity and duration of extreme weather events and natural disasters. These climate-changing events affect various health outcomes adversely through complicated pathways. This paper reviews the main signs of climate change so far, e.g., suboptimal ambient temperature, sea-level rise and other conditions, and depicts the interactive pathways between different climate-changing events such as suboptimal temperature, wildfires, and floods with a broad range of health outcomes. Meanwhile, the modifying effect of socioeconomic, demographic and environmental factors on the pathways is summarised, such that the youth, elderly, females, poor and those living in coastal regions are particularly susceptible to climate change. Although Earth as a whole is expected to suffer from climate change, this review article discusses some potential benefits for certain regions, e.g., a more liveable environment and sufficient food supply. Finally, we summarise certain mitigation and adaptation strategies against climate change and how these strategies may benefit human health in other ways. This review article provides a comprehensive and concise introduction of the pathways between climate change and human health and possible solutions, which may map directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhao
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, Australia
| | - Pei Yu
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, Australia
| | - Rahini Mahendran
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, Australia
| | - Wenzhong Huang
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, Australia
| | - Yuan Gao
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, Australia
| | - Zhengyu Yang
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, Australia
| | - Tingting Ye
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, Australia
| | - Bo Wen
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, Australia
| | - Yao Wu
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, Australia
| | - Shanshan Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, Australia
| | - Yuming Guo
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, Australia
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Liu J, Varghese BM, Hansen A, Borg MA, Zhang Y, Driscoll T, Morgan G, Dear K, Gourley M, Capon A, Bi P. Hot weather as a risk factor for kidney disease outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiological evidence. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 801:149806. [PMID: 34467930 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The occurrence or exacerbation of kidney disease has been documented as a growing problem associated with hot weather. The implementation of effective prevention measures requires a better understanding of the risk factors that increase susceptibility. To fill gaps in knowledge, this study reviews the current literature on the effects of heat on kidney-disease outcomes (ICD-10 N00-N39), including morbidity and mortality. METHODS Databases were systematically searched for relevant literature published between 1990 and 2020 and the quality of evidence evaluated. We performed random effects meta-analysis to calculate the pooled relative risks (RRs) of the association between high temperatures (and heatwaves) and kidney disease outcomes. We further evaluated vulnerability concerning contextual population characteristics. RESULTS Of 2739 studies identified, 91 were reviewed and 82 of these studies met the criteria for inclusion in a meta-analysis. Findings showed that with a 1 °C increase in temperature, the risk of kidney-related morbidity increased by 1% (RR 1.010; 95% CI: 1.009-1.011), with the greatest risk for urolithiasis. Heatwaves were also associated with increased morbidity with a trend observed with heatwave intensity. During low-intensity heatwaves, there was an increase of 5.9% in morbidity, while during high-intensity heatwaves there was a 7.7% increase. There were greater RRs for males, people aged ≤64 years, and those living in temperate climate zones. Similarly, for every 1 °C temperature increase, there was a 3% (RR 1.031; 95% CI: 1.018-1.045) increase in the risk of kidney-related mortality, which also increased during heatwaves. CONCLUSIONS High temperatures (and heatwaves) are associated with an elevated risk of kidney disease outcomes, particularly urolithiasis. Preventive measures that may minimize risks in vulnerable individuals during hot spells are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwen Liu
- School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Australia
| | | | - Alana Hansen
- School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Australia
| | - Matthew A Borg
- School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Australia
| | - Ying Zhang
- Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Timothy Driscoll
- Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Geoffrey Morgan
- Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Keith Dear
- School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Australia
| | - Michelle Gourley
- Burden of Disease and Mortality Unit, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Australia
| | - Anthony Capon
- Monash Sustainable Development Institute, Monash University, Australia
| | - Peng Bi
- School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Australia.
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Yu P, Xu R, Coelho MSZS, Saldiva PHN, Li S, Zhao Q, Mahal A, Sim M, Abramson MJ, Guo Y. The impacts of long-term exposure to PM 2.5 on cancer hospitalizations in Brazil. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 154:106671. [PMID: 34082238 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long-term exposure to PM2.5 has been linked to cancer incidence and mortality. However, it was unknown whether there was an association with cancer hospitalizations. METHODS Data on cancer hospitalizations and annual PM2.5 concentrations were collected from 1,814 Brazilian cities during 2002-2015. A difference-in-difference approach with quasi-Poisson regression was applied to examine State-specific associations. The State-specific associations were pooled at a national level using random-effect meta-analyses. PM2.5 attributable burden were estimated for cancer hospitalization admissions, inpatient days and costs. RESULTS We included 5,102,358 cancer hospitalizations (53.8% female). The mean annual concentration of PM2.5 was 7.0 μg/m3 (standard deviation: 4.0 μg/m3). With each 1 μg/m3 increase in two-year-average (current year and previous one year) concentrations of PM2.5, the relative risks (RR) of hospitalization were 1.04 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02 to 1.07) for all-site cancers from 2002 to 2015 without sex and age differences. We estimated that 33.82% (95%CI: 14.97% to 47.84%) of total cancer hospitalizations could be attributed to PM2.5 exposure in Brazil during the study time. For every 100,000 population, 1,190 (95%CI: 527 to 1,836) cancer hospitalizations, 8,191 (95%CI: 3,627 to 11,587) inpatient days and US$788,775 (95%CI: $349,272 to $1,115,825) cost were attributable to PM2.5 exposure. CONCLUSIONS Long-term exposure to ambient PM2.5 was positively associated with hospitalization for many cancer types in Brazil. Inpatient days and cost would be saved if the annual PM2.5 exposure was reduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Yu
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rongbin Xu
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | | | - Shanshan Li
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Qi Zhao
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ajay Mahal
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Malcolm Sim
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Michael J Abramson
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Yuming Guo
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
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11
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Clean Production of Biofuel from Waste Cooking Oil to Reduce Emissions, Fuel Cost, and Respiratory Disease Hospitalizations. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13169185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Renewable energies are cleaner forms of energy, and their use, has intensified in recent decades. Thus, this work presents a proposal for reducing the emissions, fuel cost, and respiratory disease hospitalizations using environmental cost accounting principles to produce biodiesel production from waste frying oil. In our methodology, we conducted surveys, and collected waste cooking oil samples from local households and restaurants in São Paulo city, Brazil. Then, we produced biodiesel using these samples. Data on air pollutants were collected and correlated with the number of hospitalizations for respiratory diseases and their costs. Our results indicate that 330,000 respiratory disease hospitalizations were recorded in São Paulo city between 2009 and 2018, and the total cost for the Brazilian government reached US $117 million. Improving the city air quality by switching from fossil fuels to biodiesel could reduce the annual number of hospitalizations to 9880 and cost US $3.518 million, because the amount of pollutants emitted from burning fossil fuels was positively correlated with the number of respiratory disease hospitalizations and their costs. Moreover, the emission rates of particulate matter with particles less than 10 and 2.5 µm in diameter exceeded the World Health Organization limits throughout the study period. Using the survey data, we estimated that the average monthly quantity of waste cooking oil was 9794.6 m3, which could generate 9191.2 m3 of biodiesel and produce 239,713 t CO2 of carbon credits. Environmental cost accounting revealed that it would be possible to achieve an annual profit of approximately US $300 million from the sale of excess biodiesel, carbon credits, and glycerine, and fuel acquisition savings which could improve the image of São Paulo city and quality of life of its residents. Thus, we present this as a way to reduce cost and hospitalizations, and increase the number of available hospital beds for other diseases, such as COVID-19.
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12
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Impact of ambient temperature on ovarian reserve. Fertil Steril 2021; 116:1052-1060. [PMID: 34116830 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.05.091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the association between ambient temperature and antral follicle count (AFC), a standard measure of ovarian reserve. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. SETTING Fertility center at an academic hospital in the northeastern United States. PATIENT(S) 631 women attending the Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center (2005-2015) who participated in the Environment and Reproductive Health Study. INTERVENTION(S) Daily temperature at the women's residential address was estimated for the 90 days before their antral follicle scan using a spatially refined gridded climate data set. We evaluated the associations between temperature and AFC using Poisson regression with robust standard errors, adjusting for relative humidity, fine particulate matter exposure, age, education, smoking status, year and month of AFC, and diagnosis of diminished ovarian reserve and ovulation disorders. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Antral follicle count as measured with transvaginal ultrasonography. RESULT(S) A 1°C increase in average maximum temperature during the 90 days before ovarian reserve testing was associated with a -1.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], -2.8, -0.4) lower AFC. Associations remained negative, but were attenuated, for average maximum temperature exposure in the 30 days (-0.9%, 95% CI, -1.8, 0.1) and 14 days (-0.8%, 95% CI, -1.6, 0.0) before AFC. The negative association between average maximum temperature and AFC was stronger in November through June than during the summer months, suggesting that timing of heat exposure and acclimatization to heat may be important factors to consider in future research. CONCLUSION(S) Exposure to higher temperatures was associated with lower ovarian reserve. These results raise concern that rising ambient temperatures worldwide may result in accelerated reproductive aging among women.
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Xu R, Zhao Q, Coelho MSZS, Saldiva PHN, Abramson MJ, Li S, Guo Y. Socioeconomic level and associations between heat exposure and all-cause and cause-specific hospitalization in 1,814 Brazilian cities: A nationwide case-crossover study. PLoS Med 2020; 17:e1003369. [PMID: 33031393 PMCID: PMC7544074 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heat exposure, which will increase with global warming, has been linked to increased risk of a range of types of cause-specific hospitalizations. However, little is known about socioeconomic disparities in vulnerability to heat. We aimed to evaluate whether there were socioeconomic disparities in vulnerability to heat-related all-cause and cause-specific hospitalization among Brazilian cities. METHODS AND FINDINGS We collected daily hospitalization and weather data in the hot season (city-specific 4 adjacent hottest months each year) during 2000-2015 from 1,814 Brazilian cities covering 78.4% of the Brazilian population. A time-stratified case-crossover design modeled by quasi-Poisson regression and a distributed lag model was used to estimate city-specific heat-hospitalization association. Then meta-analysis was used to synthesize city-specific estimates according to different socioeconomic quartiles or levels. We included 49 million hospitalizations (58.5% female; median [interquartile range] age: 33.3 [19.8-55.7] years). For cities of lower middle income (LMI), upper middle income (UMI), and high income (HI) according to the World Bank's classification, every 5°C increase in daily mean temperature during the hot season was associated with a 5.1% (95% CI 4.4%-5.7%, P < 0.001), 3.7% (3.3%-4.0%, P < 0.001), and 2.6% (1.7%-3.4%, P < 0.001) increase in all-cause hospitalization, respectively. The inter-city socioeconomic disparities in the association were strongest for children and adolescents (0-19 years) (increased all-cause hospitalization risk with every 5°C increase [95% CI]: 9.9% [8.7%-11.1%], P < 0.001, in LMI cities versus 5.2% [4.1%-6.3%], P < 0.001, in HI cities). The disparities were particularly evident for hospitalization due to certain diseases, including ischemic heart disease (increase in cause-specific hospitalization risk with every 5°C increase [95% CI]: 5.6% [-0.2% to 11.8%], P = 0.060, in LMI cities versus 0.5% [-2.1% to 3.1%], P = 0.717, in HI cities), asthma (3.7% [0.3%-7.1%], P = 0.031, versus -6.4% [-12.1% to -0.3%], P = 0.041), pneumonia (8.0% [5.6%-10.4%], P < 0.001, versus 3.8% [1.1%-6.5%], P = 0.005), renal diseases (9.6% [6.2%-13.1%], P < 0.001, versus 4.9% [1.8%-8.0%], P = 0.002), mental health conditions (17.2% [8.4%-26.8%], P < 0.001, versus 5.5% [-1.4% to 13.0%], P = 0.121), and neoplasms (3.1% [0.7%-5.5%], P = 0.011, versus -0.1% [-2.1% to 2.0%], P = 0.939). The disparities were similar when stratifying the cities by other socioeconomic indicators (urbanization rate, literacy rate, and household income). The main limitations were lack of data on personal exposure to temperature, and that our city-level analysis did not assess intra-city or individual-level socioeconomic disparities and could not exclude confounding effects of some unmeasured variables. CONCLUSIONS Less developed cities displayed stronger associations between heat exposure and all-cause hospitalizations and certain types of cause-specific hospitalizations in Brazil. This may exacerbate the existing geographical health and socioeconomic inequalities under a changing climate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongbin Xu
- School of Public Health and Management, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Qi Zhao
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | | | - Michael J. Abramson
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shanshan Li
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yuming Guo
- School of Public Health and Management, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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14
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Effects of Air Pollution on Human Health and Costs: Current Situation in São Paulo, Brazil. SUSTAINABILITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/su12124875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
This study focused on verifying whether the emission of air pollutants in São Paulo increases the costs and number of hospitalizations for respiratory diseases in Brazil. Data on pollutant emissions, hospitalizations, and hospital costs were collected from 2008 to 2017 and correlated with air quality standards. The results showed that the concentration of particulate matter increased each year during the study period and was highly correlated with hospitalizations due to respiratory diseases. Ozone (O3) was within the quality standard throughout the study period but registered an increase in the mean and a positive correlation with hospitalizations due to respiratory diseases. The carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels were within the quality standards throughout the study period with a decrease in the last years studied, but showed a positive correlation with hospitalizations due to respiratory diseases. The pollutant emissions and hospitalizations due to respiratory diseases had an inverse relationship with the monthly rainfall curve for São Paulo, which indicates that rainfall tended to reduce pollutant emissions and consequently hospitalizations due to inhalation of these pollutants. Because costs are directly associated with hospitalizations, both increased during the study period—302,000 hospitalizations at an average cost of 368 USD resulted in a total cost of 111 million USD. To reduce these costs, Brazil should implement stricter policies to improve the air quality of its major cities and develop a viable alternative to diesel vehicles.
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15
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Ferreira LDCM, Nogueira MC, Pereira RVDB, de Farias WCM, Rodrigues MMDS, Teixeira MTB, Carvalho MS. Ambient temperature and mortality due to acute myocardial infarction in Brazil: an ecological study of time-series analyses. Sci Rep 2019; 9:13790. [PMID: 31551489 PMCID: PMC6760184 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-50235-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Ambient temperature may lead to decompensation of cardiovascular diseases and deaths by acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Little is known about this relationship in South American countries located in regions of a hot climate. This study aims to investigate the effects of ambient temperature on mortality due to AMI in six Brazilian micro-regions, which present different climates. We analyzed daily records of deaths by AMI between 1996 and 2013. We estimated the accumulate relative and attributable risks with lags of up to 14 days, using distributed non-linear lag model. Micro-regions that were closest to the equator did not show an association between temperature and mortality. The lowest risk temperatures varied between 22 °C and 28 °C, in the Southern region of Brazil and the Midwest region, respectively. Low temperatures associated with the highest mortality risk were observed in the same areas, varying between 5 °C and 15 °C. The number of deaths attributed to cold temperatures varied from 176/year in Brasilia to 661/year in São Paulo and those deaths attributed to hot temperatures in Rio de Janeiro amounted to 115/year. We showed the relative risk and the attributable risk of warmer and colder days in tropical regions. The estimate of the number of deaths due to climate, varying according to each area, is a way of bringing information to those responsible for health policies based on easily-understood measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mário Círio Nogueira
- Public Health Department, School of Medicine, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Marilia Sá Carvalho
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Scientific Computing Program, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Zhao Q, Li S, Coelho MDSZS, Saldiva PHN, Xu R, Huxley RR, Abramson MJ, Guo Y. Ambient heat and hospitalisation for COPD in Brazil: a nationwide case-crossover study. Thorax 2019; 74:1031-1036. [DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2019-213486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Revised: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BackgroundHeat exposure has been related to increased morbidity and mortality for several health outcomes. There is little evidence whether this is also true for COPD. This study quantified the relationship between ambient heat and hospitalisation for COPD in the Brazilian population.MethodsData on hospitalisations for COPD and weather conditions were collected from 1642 cities during the 2000–2015 hot seasons. A time-stratified, case-crossover design was used for city-specific analyses, which were then pooled at the regional and national levels using random-effect meta-analyses. Stratified analyses were performed by sex, age group and early/late hot season. Annual change in the association was examined using a random-effect meta-regression model.ResultsThe OR of hospitalisation was 1.05 (95% CI 1.04 to 1.06) for every 5℃ increase in daily mean temperature at the national level, with the effect estimate stronger in the late hot season compared with the early hot season. The effect was similar in women and in men but was greatest for those aged ≥75 years. The association was stronger in the central west and southeast regions and minimal in the northeast. Assuming a causal relationship, 7.2% of admissions were attributable to heat exposure. There was no significant temporal decline in the impact of ambient heat over the 16-year study period.ConclusionIn Brazil, exposure to ambient heat was positively associated with hospitalisation for COPD, particularly during the late hot season. These data add to the growing evidence base implicating global warming as being an important contributor to the future healthcare burden.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephan D Fihn
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle
- Deputy Editor
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