Temperature and Air Pollution Effects on Elderly Mortality in Metro Vancouver
Author Information
Author(s): Goran Krstić
Primary Institution: Fraser Health, Environmental Health Services, New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Hypothesis
This study evaluates the relationship between apparent temperature and air pollution vs. mortality in the elderly population of Metro Vancouver.
Conclusion
Apparent temperature is associated with mortality from respiratory and circulatory causes in the elderly population of Metro Vancouver.
Supporting Evidence
- 37% of the variation in all-season mortality from circulatory and respiratory causes can be explained by the variation in 7-day moving average apparent temperature.
- A very weak negative association between elderly mortality and air pollution is observed.
- Mortality rates per 100,000 elderly population are up to 2-fold higher in winter than in summer.
Takeaway
When it's really hot or really cold, older people are more likely to get sick and die. Air pollution doesn't seem to affect them as much.
Methodology
Statistical analyses were performed on daily mortality rates vs. moving average apparent temperature and PM2.5 in various time models.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from not accounting for confounding factors like air pollution hotspots and micro-climatic conditions.
Limitations
The study did not control for various confounding factors such as socio-economic status and demographic structure.
Participant Demographics
Elderly population (aged >65 years) in Metro Vancouver.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95%CI: 7.36 to 46.92
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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