Air pollution and respiratory diseases in conurbated cities in the state of São Paulo.

Abstract

Objective: To estimate the association between exposure to particulate matter with less than 10u of aerodynamic diameter (PM10) and hospital admissions due to acute respiratory diseases in children.

Methods: This is an ecological time series study with data on hospitalizations for respiratory diseases in children living in the conurbated cities of Taubaté, Tremembé, and Pindamonhangaba located in the Vale do Paraíba in São Paulo. Hospital admission data refer to the period between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2019. Information on hospital admissions was obtained from the DATASUS database, and concentration values (μg/m3) of the pollutant PM10, temperature, and humidity relative air were obtained from the Environmental Company of the State of São Paulo. Negative binomial regression was used. Population attributable fraction and hospitalization costs were estimated.

Results: A total of 1,291 hospitalizations were identified in the conurbated municipalities with a daily average of 0.88 standard deviation (±) 1.06, varying between 0-7 hospitalizations. Significant exposures to PM10 can be observed at all lags, except the four-day lag (Lag 4). The total cost of hospitalizations was around US$ 800,000.00 and the excess number of hospitalizations (135) represented an expense of around US$ 80,000.00.

Conclusions: Studies with conurbated cities are easily applicable, extending the study area. The results reinforce the harmful role of exposure to air pollutants in children's health.