Independent effects of traffic, sandstorm and volcanic particles on emergency hospital visits in Reykjavík, Iceland?

Background After the spring 2010 Eyjafjallajokull volcanic eruption volcanic ash contributed to particulate matter (PM) levels in Iceland. Aims The aim of the present study was to analyze the association between sources of high PM levels and emergency hospital visits in the capital area. Materials and methods The outcomes were acute admissions and emergency department visits for cardiopulmonary, stroke and respiratory causes to Landspitali University Hospital in Reykjavik (pop. 200.000) from 2007 to 2010. Air pollution data and the estimated source of particles of each event where the PM10 health limit (50 µg/m3) was exceeded were obtained from authorities. The data were analyzed using generalized additive regression, with indicator variables for each particle source (traffic, sandstorms, or volcanic ash) the current and two previous days (lag02), adjusted for other pollutants, weather and time trend. Results During the study period the average number daily emergency hospital visits was 10.5. High PM10 le...