Air Temperature and Cardio-Respiratory Mortality in Beijing
Author Information
Author(s): Liu Liqun, Breitner Susanne, Pan Xiaochuan, Franck Ulrich, Leitte Arne Marian, Wiedensohler Alfred, Klot Stephanie, Wichmann H-Erich, Peters Annette, Schneider Alexandra
Primary Institution: Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen, German Research Center for Environmental Health
Hypothesis
What is the association between air temperature and cardio-respiratory mortality in urban Beijing?
Conclusion
Both increases and decreases in air temperature are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality, with immediate effects from heat and delayed effects from cold.
Supporting Evidence
- A 5°C increase in two-day average temperature was associated with a 9.8% increase in cardiovascular mortality.
- A 5°C increase in two-day average temperature was associated with a 13.4% increase in respiratory mortality.
- A 5°C decrease in 15-day average temperature was associated with a 4.0% increase in cardiovascular mortality.
- A 5°C increase in two-day average temperature in the cold period was associated with a 14.9% increase in respiratory mortality.
Takeaway
When it gets really hot or really cold, more people in Beijing get sick and die from heart and lung problems.
Methodology
The study used Poisson regression models to analyze death counts for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases along with meteorological data from January 2003 to August 2005.
Potential Biases
Potential misclassification of exposure due to reliance on data from one monitoring station.
Limitations
The study relied on data from a single monitoring station, which may lead to exposure misclassification.
Participant Demographics
Adult residents (≥15 years) in urban Beijing.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 1.057-1.140 for cardiovascular mortality; 95% CI: 1.050-1.224 for respiratory mortality.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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