Resumen

ALONSO FUSTEL, Eva et al. Health Impact Evaluation of Particle Air Pollution in Five Spanish Cities: European APHEIS Project. Rev. Esp. Salud Publica [online]. 2005, vol.79, n.2, pp.297-308. ISSN 2173-9110.

Background: The health effects of air pollution have been analyzed in numerous studies over recent years, thus having made it possible to quantify the relationship between the two. This study is aimed at analyzing the theoretical benefits which would be achieved by meeting the air quality objectives set forth under EC Directive 1999/30/EC with regard to suspended particles. Methods: The exposure measurement was taken for Black Smoke (Barcelona, Bilbao, Valencia) and suspended particles under 10 µm (PM₁₀) (Bilbao, Madrid y Sevilla). The health indicators calculated were the mortality due to all causes and respiratory and cardiovascular causes, and emergency hospital admissions and mortality due to respiratory and cardiovascular causes. In the case of PM₁₀ the impact has been calculated because its effects to short-term, within a period of up to 40 days following exposure, and to long-term. For Black Smoke the effects only has been calculated to short-term. Results: The daily levels of PM₁₀ from exceeding 50 µg/m³ in Bilbao, Madrid and Sevilla cause the earlier death of 1.4/100,000 individuals per year because its effects. The effect within a period of up to 40 days following exposure is of 2.8 deaths/100,000. The total number of deaths per year which may be later due to long-term exposure if the yearly average is lowered to 20 µg/m³ is 68/100,000. Conclusions: The health impact of the current air pollution levels is quantifiable and is not insignificant. APHEIS and the impact evaluations may be of aid in healthcare planning and environmental policies.

Palabras clave : Air pollution; Environment and Public Health; Cause of death.

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