Work

Estimating the number of cardio-pulmonary events potentially averted by fine particulate matter air quality index activity guidelines

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: , daily Air Quality Indices (AQIs) with activity guidance are issued across the United States (US). We aimed to estimate the cardio-pulmonary health benefits of the current AQI strategy. Methods: ) for 3 groups (healthy adults, ASCVD and pulmonary disease patients) in the US during 2022. The theoretical number of adverse events potentially prevented per county was estimated each day as the relevant county population divided by the corresponding NNT. These results were summed for all AQI action days among US counties to equal the potential total number of ASCVD and pulmonary events avoided nationwide. Results: ) across 236 counties in 2022, accounting for an estimated excess of 164 ASCVD and 3963 pulmonary events. Approximately 31 ASCVD and 796 pulmonary events could be theoretically avoided if all populations followed activity guidelines during every AQI action day. Conclusions: Daily AQI activity guidelines, as currently structured and implemented, likely prevent few cardio-pulmonary events per year in the US. Additional research is warranted to determine how to improve the overall approach to more effectively protect public health.

Source: American Journal of Preventive Cardiology

DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpc.2025.101266