title: Short-term effects of particulate matter on total mortality during Saharan dust outbreaks: a case-crossover analysis in Madrid (Spain).
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The role of Saharan dust outbreaks on the relationship between particulate matter and daily mortality has recently been addressed in studies conducted in Southern Europe, although they have not given consistent results.
  
  
  METHODS
  We investigated the effects of coarse (PM(10-2.5)) and fine particulate matter (PM(2.5)) in Madrid on total mortality during Saharan dust and non-dust days using a case-crossover design.
  
  
  RESULTS
  During Saharan dust days, an increase of 10mg/m(3) of PM(10-2.5) raised total mortality by 2.8% compared with 0.6% during non-dust days (P-value for interaction=0.0165).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We found evidence of stronger adverse health effects of PM(10-2.5) during Saharan dust outbreaks effects for impacted European populations, but not for PM(2.5). Further research is needed to understand mechanisms by which Saharan dust increases risk of mortality.
authors: Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), Spanish Council for Scientific Research (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain. aurelio.tobias@idaea.csic.es
authors: Aurelio
authors: A
authors: Tobías
authors: Laura
authors: L
authors: Pérez
authors: Julio
authors: J
authors: Díaz
authors: Cristina
authors: C
authors: Linares
authors: Jorge
authors: J
authors: Pey
authors: Andrés
authors: A
authors: Alastruey
authors: Xavier
authors: X
authors: Querol
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000392:Air Movements; D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000401:mortality*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002947:Cities / Q000453:epidemiology; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004391:Dust / Q000032:analysis*; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010316:Particle Size; D052638:Particulate Matter / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity*; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000393:Air Pollutants; D004391:Dust; D052638:Particulate Matter