Impact of Air Pollution on Hospital Admissions in Southwestern Ontario
Author Information
Author(s): Karen Y Fung, Issac N Luginaah, Kevin M Gorey
Primary Institution: University of Windsor
Hypothesis
We hypothesize that the higher hospital admission rates in Sarnia and Windsor are pollution related.
Conclusion
Hospital admission rates were significantly higher in 'Chemical Valley' compared to both London and Windsor.
Supporting Evidence
- Sarnia and Windsor had significantly higher age-adjusted hospital admissions rates compared to London.
- The observed number of admissions in Sarnia was 3.11 times for females and 2.83 times for males compared to London.
- Further epidemiological research is needed to verify the harmful effects of pollution in 'Chemical Valley'.
Takeaway
This study found that people in Sarnia and Windsor go to the hospital more often than those in London, likely because of pollution.
Methodology
The study analyzed hospital admission records from 1996 to 2000, comparing age-standardized admission ratios for Sarnia and Windsor against London.
Limitations
The study faced substantial missing data from air quality monitoring in Sarnia, which may have affected the results.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
CI: 2.80, 3.44
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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