Association between air pollution and asthma admission among children in Hong Kong
2006

Air Pollution and Childhood Asthma Admissions in Hong Kong

Sample size: 879384 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Lee S L, Wong W H S, Lau Y L

Primary Institution: The University of Hong Kong

Hypothesis

To examine the association of air pollutants with hospital admission for childhood asthma in Hong Kong.

Conclusion

Ambient levels of PM10, PM2.5, NO2 and O3 are associated with childhood asthma hospital admission in Hong Kong.

Supporting Evidence

  • An increase in asthma admission rate of 5.64% at lag 3 for NO2.
  • An increase in asthma admission rate of 3.67% at lag 4 for PM10.
  • An increase in asthma admission rate of 3.24% at lag 4 for PM2.5.
  • An increase in asthma admission rate of 2.63% at lag 2 for O3.

Takeaway

Air pollution can make kids with asthma sicker and lead to more hospital visits.

Methodology

Data on hospital admissions for asthma and air quality were analyzed using Poisson's regression with generalized additive models.

Potential Biases

There may be information bias related to the accuracy of hospital admission data.

Limitations

The study is limited by the observational nature and potential confounding factors.

Participant Demographics

Children aged ≤18 years in Hong Kong.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Confidence Interval

95% CI 3.21–8.14 for NO2 at lag 3

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1111/j.1365-2222.2006.02555.x

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