Atmospheric concentration of fine particulate matter and its impact on daily hospital admissions for respiratory disease in the prairies of Canada

Abstract

Numerous studies have demonstrated a fairly consistent association between fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) and respiratory disease hospital admissions (respiratory hospitalization) in Canada. Most recently, there has been increased concern about the impacts of PM_2.5 in the Canadian prairies, mainly caused by activities such as agriculture, mining, forest fires, and oil and gas production. In this study, we characterize the trend of PM_2.5 concentrations in the Canadian prairies. Our trend analysis estimates the time point at which PM_2.5 took an upturn from a non-increasing trend. We then quantify the association between PM_2.5 and respiratory hospitalizations before and after this time point. Our analyses revealed that: (a) on average, the atmospheric concentration of PM_2.5 went through a transition between 28 September 2009 and 25 February 2010 in the Canadian prairies; (b) an increasing concentration of PM_2.5 was observed after completing the transition, (c) there was a significant positive association between PM_2.5 and respiratory hospitalization after the time point at which PM_2.5 took an upturn; and (d) the relative risk estimates for PM_2.5 on respiratory hospitalization were generally higher after the time point at which PM_2.5 took an upturn than before this time point.

Keywords:

• Association
• Canada
• PM_2.5
• Prairies
• Respiratory
• Trend

Acknowledgements

Parts of this material are based on data and information provided by the Canadian Institute of Health Information. The analyses, conclusions, opinions and statements expressed herein are those of the author (unless otherwise attributed) and not those of the Canadian Institute of Health Information. We extend our appreciation to Environment Canada, who made their air pollution data available to the public. We are indebted to anonymous reviewers for providing insightful comments and suggestions about the potential causes of PM_2.5 across the Canadian prairies.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Additional information

Funding

This work was partially supported by the University of Saskatchewan through New Faculty Start-up Operating Fund and President’s NSERC grant to S.A. Khan.