Public Health Relevance of US EPA Air Quality Index Activity Recommendations.

ABSTRACT:

Importance

Reducing exposure to fine particulate matter (<2.5 μm [PM2.5]) air pollution improves cardiopulmonary morbidity and mortality. However, the public health relevance of air quality index (AQI) activity guidelines under present-day environmental conditions in the US has not been critically assessed.

Objective

To evaluate the public health relevance of following PM2.5 AQI activity guidance in preventing serious atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and pulmonary events among adults in the US.

Design, setting, and participants

This cross-sectional modeling study involved the general adult population and sensitive individuals as designated by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including adults with preexisting ASCVD or lung disease (asthma or

SUBMITTER: Brook RD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11002695 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature