Regional concentration-response relationships between ambient PM2.5 and cause-specific mortality in Japan

Abstract:

Numerous recent studies have highlighted the adverse health effects of particulate matters (PM_2.5), but evidence in Japan with wide spatial coverage is insufficient. Therefore, we conducted data analysis to investigate the short-term effects of PM_2.5 on mortality in 47 prefectures covering all Japan. We collected observed daily time series of mortality counts (Ministry of Health and Welfare of Japan), air pollution concentration (Japanese National Institute for Environmental Studies), and weather data (Japanese Meteorological Agency) in periods ranging from Jan 1, 2013, to Dec 31, 2015. We estimated prefecture level of PM_2.5–mortality relationships through a time series design. Random effects meta-analysis was used to pool the results. Geographic variations in concentration of PM_2.5 are observed in Japan. PM_2.5 levels were statistically significantly (p < 0.05) associated with all-cause mortality in pooled results. An increase in PM_2.5 concentration was associated with increase excess risk in all-cause mortality and magnitude of the risk varied by prefectures. These results indicate the importance of developing area-specific adaptation strategies and local awareness plan for risk prevention.