Work

The mediating effect of air pollution on the association between meteorological factors and influenza-like illness in China

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: PURPOSE: Although numerous studies have explored the complex relationship between air pollution, meteorological factors and respiratory infections, evidence for a mediating effect of air pollutants being involved in the association between meteorological factors and Influenza-like illness (ILI) is limited. METHODS: Correlations among ILI cases, air pollutants and meteorological factors were examined with Pearson correlation analyses. Further, we formulated six candidate mediation models to explore the mediating effect of air pollutant on the association between meteorological factors and ILI infections. RESULTS: The meteorological factors minimum temperature/maximum humidity moderated by maximum humidity/minimum temperature and pressure directly affect ILI infections, and that some of meteorological factors can also indirectly affect them through air pollutants. Increases in maximum humidity and minimum temperature can directly reduce the numbers of ILI cases, or indirectly reduce them by reducing the concentration of air pollutants. CONCLUSION: When the haze with low temperature, low humidity is forecasted by the meteorological agency, the environmental protection departments can take effective control measures to reduce the concentration of air pollutants, and public health departments should advocate human behavioral changes in order to mitigate and control ILI prevalence.

Source: BMC Public Health

DOI: 10.1186/s12889-025-21651-5

Authors: Qinling Yan, Robert A. Cheke, Sanyi Tang

Institutions: Chang'an University, Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, Shanxi University

Language: English

Topic: Air Quality and Health Impacts

Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Climate action

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,290