Short-term Exposure to Air Pollution and the Incidence and Mortality of Stroke

Abstract

Background: The relationship between short-term exposure to various air pollutants [particulate matter <10 μm (PM10), particulate matter <2.5 μm (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide, and ozone (O3)] and the incidence and mortality of stroke remain unclear. Review Summary: We conducted a comprehensive search across databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, and others. A random-effects model was employed to estimate the odds ratios (OR) and their 95% CIs. Short-term exposure to PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, and O3 was associated with increased stroke incidence [per 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5: OR = 1.005 (95% CI: 1.004-1.007), per 10 μg/m3 increase in PM10: OR = 1.006 (95% CI: 1.004-1.009), per 10 μg/m3 increase in SO2: OR = 1.034 (95% CI: 1.020-1.048), per 10 μg/m3 increase in NO2: OR = 1.029 (95% CI: 1.015-1.043), and O3 for per 10 μg/m3 increase: OR: 1.006 (95% CI: 1.004-1.007)]. In addition, short-term exposure to PM2.5, PM10, SO2, and NO2 was correlated with increased mortality from stroke [per 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5: OR = 1.010 (95% CI: 1.006-1.013), per 10 μg/m3 increase in PM10: OR = 1.004 (95% CI: 1.003-1.006), per 10 μg/m3 increase in SO2: OR = 1.013 (95% CI: 1.007-1.019) and per 10 μg/m3 increase in NO2: OR = 1.012 (95% CI: 1.008-1.015)]. Conclusion: Reducing outdoor air pollutant levels may yield a favorable outcome in reducing the incidence and mortality associated with strokes.