Satellite-based estimates of long-term exposure to fine particles and association with mortality in elderly Hong Kong residents

Wong, C; Lai, H; Lee, S; Hedley, A; Lam, T; Tsang, H; Thomas, G; Lam, K; Chan, P; Yang, L; Lau, A; Ayres, J

Neuroscience & Neuroimaging Research Collection

Journal article

Satellite-based estimates of long-term exposure to fine particles and association with mortality in elderly Hong Kong residents

Abstract:: Background: A limited number of studies on long-term effects of particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter <2.5 µm (PM_2.5) on health suggest it can be an important cause of morbidity and mortality. In Asia where air quality is poor and deteriorating, local data on longterm effects of PM_2.5 to support policy on air quality management are scarce.

Objectives: We assessed long-term effects of PM2.5 on the mortality in a single Asian city.

Methods: We followed up for 10–13 years a cohort of 66,820 participants aged ≥65 who were enrolled and interviewed in all 18 Elderly Health Centres of the Department of Health, Hong Kong in 1998–2001. Their residential addresses were geo-coded into x- and y- coordinates and their proxy exposures to PM_2.5 at their addresses in 1×1 km grids were estimated from the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) satellite data. We used Cox regression models to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) of mortality associated with PM2.5.

Results: Mortality HRs per 10-µg/m³ increase in PM_2.5 were 1.14 (95% CI: 1.07, 1.22) for all natural causes, 1.22 (95% CI: 1.08, 1.39) for cardiovascular causes, 1.42 (95% CI: 1.16, 1.73) for ischemic heart disease, 1.24 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.53) for cerebrovascular disease, and 1.05 (95% CI: 0.90, 1.22) for respiratory causes.

Conclusions: Our methods in using NASA satellite data provide a readily accessible and affordable approach to estimation of a sufficient range of individual PM_2.5 exposures in a single city. This approach can expand the capacity to conduct environmental accountability studies in areas with few measurements of fine particles.

Publication status:: Published

Peer review status:: Peer reviewed

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APA Style

Wong, C., Lai, H., Lee, S., Hedley, A., Lam, T., Tsang, H., Thomas, G., Lam, K., Chan, P., Yang, L., Lau, A., & Ayres, J. (2015). Satellite-based estimates of long-term exposure to fine particles and association with mortality in elderly Hong Kong residents. Environmental Health Perspectives.

MLA Style

Wong, C, et al. “Satellite-Based Estimates of Long-Term Exposure to Fine Particles and Association with Mortality in Elderly Hong Kong Residents.” Environmental Health Perspectives, edited by T Thach, 2015.

Chicago Style

Wong, C, H Lai, S Lee, et al. 2015. “Satellite-Based Estimates of Long-Term Exposure to Fine Particles and Association with Mortality in Elderly Hong Kong Residents.” Environmental Health Perspectives.
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