Associations of PM₂.₅ constituents and sources with hospital admissions: analysis of four counties in Connecticut and Massachusetts (USA) for persons ≥ 65 years of age.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Epidemiological studies have demonstrated associations between short-term exposure to PM2.5 and hospital admissions. The chemical composition of particles varies across locations and time periods. Identifying the most harmful constituents and sources is an important health and regulatory concern.

Objectives

We examined pollutant sources for associations with risk of hospital admissions for cardiovascular and respiratory causes.

Methods

We obtained PM2.5 filter samples for four counties in Connecticut and Massachusetts and analyzed them for PM2.5 elements. Source apportionment was used to estimate daily PM2.5 contributions from sources (traffic, road dust, oil combustion, and sea salt as well as a regional source representing coal combustion and other source

SUBMITTER: Bell ML 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3915260 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature