Effects of Asian Dust Storm Events on Hospital Admissions for Congestive Heart Failure in Taipei, Taiwan

Abstract

In spring, windblown dust storms originating in the deserts of Mongolia and China make their way to Taipei city. These occurrences are known as Asian dust storm (ADS) events. These ADS events lead to enhanced PM₁₀ levels over those generated by the usual local sources. The objective of this study was to assess the possible associations of PM₁₀ with hospital admissions for congestive heart failure (CHF) in Taipei, Taiwan, during the period from 1996 to 2001. Fifty-four dust storm episodes, which were classified as index days, were identified. Daily CHF admissions on index days were compared with admissions on comparison days. Two comparison days were selected for each index day, 7 d before the index days and 7 d after the index days. The effects of ADS on hospital admissions for CHF were prominent 1 d after the event (relative risk = 1.114; 95% confidence interval = 0.993–1.250). However, the association was not statistically significant. There may not have been enough power to detect associations resulting from the inadequate sample size of CHF admissions on ADS events days. However, it seems worthwhile to pay more attention to the ADS events and health in the future.

This study was supported by a grant from the National Science Council, Executive Yuan, Taiwan (NSC–95–2314–B–037–070–MY2). This study is based in part on data from the National Insurance Research Database provided by the Bureau of National Health Insurance, Department of Health, and managed by National Health Research Institutes. The interpretation and conclusions contained herein do not represent those of Bureau of National Health Insurance, Department of Health, or National Health Research Institutes.