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A Retrospective, Time-Stratified, Case-Crossover Study of the Effect of PM2.5 on Asthma Exacerbations in Rural Counties in Wisconsin

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Air pollution is a pervasive environmental health hazard with the potential to worsen respiratory health outcomes, including asthma exacerbations. The impact of PM2.5 on asthma exacerbations among rural populations is not well understood. Our analysis used a retrospective, time-stratified, case-crossover study design to examine the relationship between PM2.5 and asthma exacerbations. We included asthma exacerbations that occurred January 1, 2019–June 30, 2022, among residents of seven rural counties in Wisconsin with a PM2.5 air monitor. We also used PM2.5 data collected by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and weather data available from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Further, we used conditional logistic regression to assess the association between asthma exacerbations and lagged PM2.5 levels, adjusting for maximum daily temperature. We found PM2.5 levels (µg/m3) 2 days prior to exacerbation were significantly associated with asthma exacerbations (hazard ratio 1.184; 95% confidence interval (1.051, 1.344)). Our study demonstrated an increased hazard of asthma exacerbations with higher levels of PM2.5 in rural populations. These findings highlight the need for further research and efforts to mitigate the effects of air pollution in rural areas.

Source: Journal of environmental health

DOI: 10.70387/001c.129533

Authors: Megan Elderbrook, Ron Gangnon, Carrie Tomasallo

Institutions: Wisconsin Department of Health Services, University of Wisconsin–Madison

Language: English

Topic: Air Quality and Health Impacts

Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

OpenAlex ID: W4409014221