Prediction of the impact of air pollution on rates of hospitalization for asthma in Shiraz based on air pollution indices in 2007-2012

摘要

Objectives: This study was designed to determine the effects of air pollutants on emergency admissions for asthma, and to forecast the disease burden in Shiraz, Iran. Methods: The average daily concentrations of fine particles (PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO) and ozone (O3) were calculated from data reported by two air quality monitoring stations in Shiraz from the beginning of 2007 to mid-2012. Results: The numbers of patients admitted with asthma attack during this period were collected from four main university-affiliated hospitals. Admissions correlated strongly with the levels of PM10, SO2, CO and O3 during warm seasons (P<0.001), and with NO2 level during cold seasons (P<0.001). We forecast increasing trends in air pollutants and patient admissions in the year 2015. Conclusion: Our findings are further evidence of the effects of air pollutants on asthma exacerbations.