The Effects of Short-Term and Very Short-Term Particulate Matter Exposure on Asthma-Related Hospital Visits: National Health Insurance Data
10.3349/ymj.2019.60.10.952
- Author:
Dae Jin SONG
1
;
Sun Hee CHOI
;
Woo Jung SONG
;
Kyung Hee PARK
;
Young Koo JEE
;
Sang Heon CHO
;
Dae Hyun LIM
Author Information
1. Department of Pediatrics, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Particulate matter;
asthma;
outpatients;
National Health Insurance
- MeSH:
Air Pollution;
Asthma;
Hospitalization;
Humans;
Korea;
National Health Programs;
Outpatients;
Particulate Matter
- From:Yonsei Medical Journal
2019;60(10):952-959
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of short-term and very short-term exposure to particulate matter (PM) exceeding the daily average environmental standards for Korea (≤100 µg/m³ for PM₁₀ and ≤50 µg/m³ for PM(2.5)) on on asthma-related hospital visits. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a population-based, case-crossover study using National Health Insurance and air pollution data between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2016. The event day was defined as a day when PM exceeded the daily average environmental standard (short-term exposure) or daily average environmental standard for 2 hours (very short-term exposure). The control day was defined as the same day of the week at 1 week prior to the event day. RESULTS: Compared with control days, asthma-related hospital visits on the 24-hr event days and 2-hr event days increased by 4.10% and 3.45% for PM₁₀ and 5.66% and 3.74% for PM(2.5), respectively. Asthma-related hospital visits increased from the 24-hr event day for PM₁₀ to 4 days after the event day, peaking on the third day after the event day (1.26, 95% confidence interval, 1.22–1.30). Hospitalizations also increased on the third day after the event. While there was a difference in magnitude, PM(2.5) exposure showed similar trends to PM₁₀ exposure. CONCLUSION: We found a significant association between short-term and very short-term PM exposure exceeding the current daily average environmental standards of Korea and asthma-related hospital visits. These results are expected to aid in establishing appropriate environmental standards and relevant policies for PM.
