Associations Identified Between Respiratory Disease Hospitalizations, Air Pollutants

Anna Grzywa-Celińska, MD, PhD

Credit: Medical Centrum Lublin

Correlation Between Air Pollution and Hospitalizations for Respiratory Diseases

Recent findings suggest significant correlations between hospitalizations for respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and air pollutants. These results indicate that pollution may be a modifiable risk factor for exacerbating these diseases.¹

A new research study investigated the relationship between air pollutant concentrations and hospitalization rates among individuals with asthma, COPD, or breathing abnormalities. The study was led by Anna Grzywa-Celińska, MD, PhD, from the department of pneumonology, oncology, and allergology at the Medical University, Lublin, in Poland. The study aimed to understand the clinical significance of air pollution in preventing the development or worsening of lung diseases in the population.²

Background and Methods

The study analyzed hospital admissions data from January 2015 to December 2018. A total of 2,131 individuals admitted to the Emergency Department of Independent Public Clinical Hospital No. 4 in Lublin, Poland were included in the study. These individuals had reported diagnoses of COPD, asthma, or breathing abnormalities.

The research team collected data on major air pollutants recorded in Lublin, including PM₁₀, PM_2.5, NO₂, benzene, SO₂, CO, and O₃. The data was obtained from the Chief Inspectorate for Environmental Protection’s public database. Daily measurements with hourly precision were used for the years 2015 to 2018.

The team calculated monthly averages of pollutant concentrations for subsequent years and also calculated averages for individual days in 2018. These averages were then compared to hospitalization rates during the corresponding time periods.

Findings

The research team identified several significant correlations between air pollutant concentrations and hospitalization rates. They found strong positive associations between asthma and benzene/NO₂, COPD-related hospitalizations and PM_2.5 as well as PM₁₀, and respiratory disorders overall with CO, benzene, and SO₂.

Except for PM_2.5, pollutant levels remained within the upper normal limits recommended by the World Health Organization’s 2021 guidelines. The study supports the link between NO₂ exposure and hospitalization rates for chronic respiratory diseases, but further research is needed to understand its impact on prevalent chronic respiratory issues.

References:

1. ^{Grzywa-Celińska A, Krusiński A, Dos Santos Szewczyk K, Kurys-Denis E, Milanowski J. Relationship between concentration of air pollutants and frequency of hospitalizations due to respiratory diseases. Ann Agric Environ Med. 2024;31(1):13-23. doi:10.26444/aaem/169486.}
2. ^{Grzywa-Celińska A, Krusiński A, Milanowski J. ‘Smoging kills’ – Effects of air pollution on human respiratory system. Ann Agric Environ Med. 2020;27(1):1–5. https://doi.org/10.26444/aaem/110477.}

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

The article discusses the correlation between air pollutants and hospitalizations for respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This directly relates to SDG 3, which aims to ensure good health and well-being for all.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

The article highlights the impact of air pollution on respiratory health in urban areas. This connects to SDG 11, which focuses on creating sustainable cities and communities, including improving air quality.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.

The article emphasizes the need to reduce the impact of air pollutants on respiratory diseases, aligning with Target 3.9 under SDG 3.

Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.

The article highlights the importance of addressing air quality in urban areas to mitigate the adverse effects of air pollution on respiratory health. This aligns with Target 11.6 under SDG 11.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article mentions the concentration of air pollutants and its correlation with hospitalization rates for respiratory diseases. This can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards reducing the impact of air pollution on respiratory health.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: hcplive.com

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