The short-term effects of air pollution on daily mortality in four Australian cities.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the short-term health effects of air pollution on daily mortality in four Australian cities (Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney), where more than 50% of Australians reside.


METHODS
The study used a similar protocol to APHEA2 (Air Pollution and Health: A European Approach) study and derived single-city and pooled estimates.


RESULTS
The results derived from the different approaches for the 1996-99 period showed consistent results for different statistical models used. There were significant effects on total mortality, (RR = 1.0284 per 1 unit increase in nephelometry [10(-4).m(-1)], RR = 1.0011 per 1ppb increase in NO2), and on respiratory mortality (RR = 1.0022 per 1ppb increase in O3). No significant differences between cities were found, but the NO2 and particle effects may refer to the same impacts. Meta-analyses carried out for three cities yielded estimates for the increase in the daily total number of deaths of 0.2% (-0.8% to 1.2%) for a 10 microg/m3 increase in PM10 concentration, and 0.9% (-0.7% to 2.5%) for a 10 microg/m3 increase in PM2.5 concentration.


CONCLUSIONS
Air pollutants in Australian cities have significant effects on mortality.
Faculty of Science, Health and Education, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. rsimpson@usc.edu.au
Rod
R
Simpson
Gail
G
Williams
Anna
A
Petroeschevsky
Trudi
T
Best
Geoff
G
Morgan
Lyn
L
Denison
Andrea
A
Hinwood
Gerard
G
Neville
Anne
A
Neller
D000368:Aged; D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000401:mortality; D006801:Humans; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000401:mortality; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D009026:Mortality; D009585:Nitrogen Dioxide / Q000032:analysis; D010126:Ozone / Q000032:analysis; D014505:Urban Population
D000393:Air Pollutants; D010126:Ozone; D009585:Nitrogen Dioxide