Short-term effect of PM2.5/O3 on non-accidental and respiratory deaths in highly polluted area of China

Abstract Objective To investigate the effects of short-term exposure to PM 2.5 and ozone in high-level areas on respiratory deaths and non-accidental deaths. Methods Time-series analysis was used to investigate the association between PM 2.5 /O 3 and non-accidental deaths and respiratory deaths at Hefei, China from 2013 to 2015. Results PM 2.5 and O 3 exposure were associated with elevated non-accidental and respiratory deaths. With every 10 μg/m 3 increase in PM 2.5 , the rate of respiratory deaths and non-accidental deaths increased by 1.24% (95%CI: 0.29%–2.20%) and 0.36% (95%CI: 0.10%–0.63%), respectively. In addition, every 10 μg/m 3 increase in ozone also associated with 2.22% (95%CI: 0.56%–3.90%) and 0.05% (95%CI: 0.42%-0.53%) increase in respiratory deaths and non-accidental deaths, respectively. The analysis of multi-pollutant model showed that the inclusion of ozone further increased the effects of PM 2.5 on respiratory deaths. The inclusion of PM 2.5 decreased the effects of O 3 on respiratory deaths. In addition, the effects of PM 2.5 /O 3 on daily respiratory and non-accidental deaths were more evident in the cold season, females and elderlies (65 years or older). Conclusions Short-term exposure of high-level PM 2.5 and ozone increased the risk of respiratory and non-accidental deaths. Females and elderlies are more susceptible to PM 2.5 /O 3 exposure.