Long-term associations of outdoor air pollution with mortality in Great Britain.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Recent studies have indicated long-term effects on mortality of particulate and sulphur dioxide (SO(2)) pollution, but uncertainties remain over the size of any effects, potential latency and generalisability.

Methods

A small area study was performed across electoral wards in Great Britain of mean annual black smoke (BS) and SO(2) concentrations (from 1966) and subsequent all-cause and cause-specific mortality using random effect models within a Bayesian framework adjusted for social deprivation and urban/rural classification. Different latencies and changes in associations over time were assessed.

Results

Significant associations were found between BS and SO(2) concentrations and mortality. The effects were stronger for respiratory illness than other cause

SUBMITTER: Elliott P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2094283 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature