The impact of O3 on the respiratory system is a significant global problem. Nevertheless, there is insufficient information about its impact on respiratory disorders in northeast China. In this study, we used a generalized additive model (GAM) to determine the correlation between O3 concentrations and respiratory deaths based on the daily meteorological data, pollutant concentrations, and respiratory deaths from 2014 to 2016 in Shenyang, a typical city in northeast China. Single and cumulative lag structures and seasonal modification were considered to investigate the link between O3 exposure and respiratory mortality in Shenyang, northeast China. Synergic effects of O3 and meteorological factors were also evaluated. Results indicated that there was a significant correlation between O3 and the number of deaths caused by respiratory diseases on a daily basis, regardless of the time delay between exposure and the occurrence of the deaths. A 10 µg/m3 rise in O3 concentration was associated with a 0.85% (95% CI 0.18-1.52%) increase in respiratory death at a lag of 1 day and a 1.43% (95% CI 0.40-2.48%) increase at a cumulative lag of 3 days. Stratified analyses revealed that O3 had a greater impact on health under warm conditions compared to cold settings. Additionally, O3 had a more pronounced effect on females than on males. The results for this study could provide some scientific guidance for local environment and health departments.
Keywords: Generalized additive model; O3; Respiratory mortality; Synergistic effects.
© 2024. The Author(s).