Evaluating the Sensitivity of PM2.5-Mortality Associations to the Spatial and Temporal Scale of Exposure Assessment at Low Particle Mass Concentrations
Year: 2019
Type: conference-abstract
Abstract: PDS 65: Exposure assessment: implications for epidemiology, Exhibition Hall (PDS), Ground floor, August 27, 2019, 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM Background: The temporal and spatial scales of exposure assessment may influence the magnitudes of associations between fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) and mortality at low mass concentrations but few studies have specifically examined this question. Methods: We followed 2.4 million people in the 2001 Canadian Census Health and Environment Cohort for nonaccidental and cause-specific mortality between 2001 and 2011. PM2.5 exposures were assigned to residential locations using satellite-based estimates: three different temporal moving averages (1-year, 3-years, and 8-years) and three spatial scales (1-km2, 5-km2, and 10-km2) of exposure assignment were compared. In addition, we examined different spatial scales based on age, employment status, and urban/rural location, as well as adjustment for O3, NO2, or their combined oxidant capacity (Ox). Results: Longer moving averages and smaller spatial scales resulted in improved model fit and stronger associations between PM2.5 and mortality. Respiratory and lung cancer mortality were more sensitive to the spatial scale of exposure assessment than cardiovascular outcomes. All of the best fitting models included adjustment for oxidant gases; this attenuated associations between PM2.5 and cardiovascular mortality and strengthened associations between PM2.5 and lung cancer. Despite these variations, PM2.5 was associated with increased mortality in nearly all of the models examined at 1-km2 spatial resolution with the exception of cerebrovascular mortality. Conclusions: These findings further support the relationship between long-term exposure to PM2.5 and mortality at low mass concentrations and suggest the importance of more spatially resolved exposure metrics, longer exposure windows, and adjustment for co-pollutants in characterizing this relationship.
Source: Environmental Epidemiology
Authors: Crouse D, Erickson A, Christitis T, van Donkelaar A, Li C, Meng J, Martin R, Tjepkema M, Hystad P, Burnett R, Pappin A, Brauer M, Weichenthal S
Language: English
Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,200
OpenAlex ID: W2981482791