[The short-term effects of air pollution on mortality: the results of the EMECAM project in greater Bilbao. Estudio Multicéntrico Español sobre la Relación entre la Contaminación Atmosférica y la Mortalidad].
BACKGROUND
The objective of this study was to assess the short-term impact of air pollution with sulfur dioxide (SO2), total suspended particles (TSP), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and black smoke (BS) on the daily number of deaths in the metropolitan area of Bilbao.


METHODS
The EMECAM project protocol was followed.


RESULTS
Increases in TSP, in both maximum hourly figures and daily averages, are significantly associated with increases in the daily number of deaths from all causes, from circulatory causes and from all causes among those older than 70. No differences between six-month periods were found. NO2 average levels were associated with daily mortality from respiratory causes in the entire period and during the warm season, and from all causes among those older than 70 in the cool months.


CONCLUSIONS
TSP levels are associated with daily mortality in the metropolitan area of Bilbao. The relationship between NO2 and the number of deaths from respiratory causes, very high in the warm season, needs further research to assess its independence.
Dirección de Salud Pública, Departamento de Sanidad, Gobierno Vasco.
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Cambra Contín
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Alonso Fustel
D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis; D000397:Air Pollution / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D006801:Humans; D008685:Meteorological Concepts; D009026:Mortality; D012306:Risk; D012621:Seasons; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology; D013997:Time Factors; D014505:Urban Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
D000393:Air Pollutants
Efectos a corto plazo de la contaminación atmosférica sobre la mortalidad: resultados del proyecto EMECAM en el Gran Bilbao.