Risk assessment for environmental health in Adelaide based on weather, air pollution and population health outcomes.
Year: 2010
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: \nThe progression of climate change may have wide ranging and varied implications for population health. Climatologists predict increases in heatwaves, droughts and bushfires for Australia, with health consequences including a potential rise in heatrelated illnesses and adverse effects from increases in some air pollutants. Epidemiological evidence of the impact of temperature extremes and air pollution on morbidity and mortality at the local level is essential to identify site specific characteristics of vulnerable sub-populations and in projections of future scenarios. This study aimed to assess the impact of weather and air pollution on population health outcomes in Adelaide, and to inform decision makers on likely health impacts of climate change. \nMethod: \nHealth outcome, meteorological and air quality data for periods of up to 12 years were used to assess the environmental health impact of heatwaves and air pollution on morbidity in Adelaide. The first part of the study investigated the impact of heatwaves, defined as being three or more consecutive days of maximum temperatures 35°C or above, on hospital admissions, ambulance callouts and emergency department visits using a case series approach. Spatial analytical techniques were used to identify regions at increased risk in the metropolitan area. The second part of the study investigated, using case-crossover analysis, the effect of air pollution on cardiovascular and respiratory health outcomes. Finally, an evidence based environmental health risk assessment for Adelaide was formulated using a climate change perspective. \nResults: \nHeatwaves have a noticeable effect on population health in Adelaide. Findings showed ambulance callouts increased by 3.6% during heatwaves in Adelaide, with some industrial and disadvantaged suburbs identified as heat-sensitive regions of the \nmetropolitan area. Persons with mental and behavioural disorders were found to be susceptible to heat extremes with hospitalisations increasing by 7.3% during heatwaves compared to non-heatwave periods. Hospital admissions for renal disease and acute renal failure were increased by 10.0% and 25.5% respectively during heatwaves and heat-related presentations at emergency departments increased almost 3-fold compared to non-heatwave periods in the warm season. Despite Adelaide’s air quality comparing well with cities elsewhere, airborne particulate matter had a noticeable effect on health, more so in the cool season, with a 4.5% increase in cardiovascular hospitalisations associated with an increase of 10 μg/m³ in fine particles. \nConclusion: \nMounting evidence points towards a continued rise in global temperatures and more intense and frequent heatwaves. Findings from this study suggest that in the absence of adaptation and acclimatisation of the local population, there may be a disproportionate increase in heatwave-related morbidity; however the effect on air pollution-related morbidity is less clear. In a warming climate the adverse cardiovascular health effects of air pollution observed in the cool season in Adelaide may decrease, but overall may be modified by the health impacts of increased exposure to bushfire smoke and dust. \nPolicy Implications: \nFindings from this study have helped inform policies for extreme heat emergency plans for South Australia and may be of interest to the government and nongovernment sectors concerned with formulating local and national air quality guidelines.
Author: Alana Hansen
Language: English
Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2611847034