Estimated acute effects of ambient ozone and nitrogen dioxide on mortality in the Pearl River Delta of southern China

Abstract

Background and objectives: Epidemiologic studies have attributed adverse health effects to air pollution; however, controversy remains regarding the relationship between ambient oxidants [ozone (O₃) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂)] and mortality, especially in Asia. We conducted a four-city time-series study to investigate acute effects of O₃ and NO₂ in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) of southern China, using data from 2006 through 2008.

Methods: We used generalized linear models with Poisson regression incorporating natural spline functions to analyze acute mortality in association with O₃ and NO₂, with PM₁₀ (particulate matter ≤ 10 μm in diameter) included as a major confounder. Effect estimates were determined for individual cities and for the four cities as a whole. We stratified the analysis according to high- and low- exposure periods for O₃.

Results: We found consistent positive associations between ambient oxidants and daily mortality across the PRD cities. Overall, 10-μg/m³ increases in average O₃ and NO₂ concentrations over the previous 2 days were associated with 0.81% [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.63%, 1.00%] and 1.95% (95% CI: 1.62%, 2.29%) increases in total mortality, respectively, with stronger estimated effects for cardiovascular and respiratory mortality. After adjusting for PM₁₀, estimated effects of O₃ on total and cardiovascular mortality were stronger for exposure during high-exposure months (September through November), whereas respiratory mortality was associated with O₃ exposure during nonpeak exposure months only.

Conclusions: Our findings suggest significant acute mortality effects of O₃ and NO₂ in the PRD and strengthen the rationale for further limiting the ambient pollution levels in the area.

Figure 1

The PRD and locations of air pollution monitors in the four cities included in the study: Guangzhou, Foshan, Zhongshan, and Zhuhai.

Figure 2

Box plots of monthly O₃, NO₂, and PM₁₀ concentrations (μg/m³): averaged data from the five monitoring stations, 2006–2008. Boxes indicate the interquartile range (25th to 75th percentile); lines within boxes indicate medians; whiskers represent 5th and 95th percentile values; and circles represent outliers.