Correlation analysis of exposure to air pollutants, in the city of São Paulo, with outcomes in the population’s cardiorespiratory health

Abstract

The objective of this study was to analyze the effects on cardiorespiratory health of the population of the city of São Paulo by the exposure to the atmospheric pollutant particulate matter (PM₁₀), NO₂ and O₃ during the years 2010 to 2018. Mortality and morbidity data due to respiratory diseases were collected (ICD-10, J00 – J99) and for cardiovascular diseases (ICD-10, I00 – I99), available in the DATASUS databases and daily data on PM₁₀, NO₂ and O₃ concentrations, obtained from the Qualar platform of CETESB. Through preliminary descriptive analyses, it was possible to verify the seasonal profile of the occurrences of morbidity and mortality due to cardiorespiratory diseases, where the peaks of cases in the autumn and winter months were observed. Finally, the studied parameters were statistically analyzed using Pearson's correlation tests, measuring the degree of interdependence between two variables. NO₂ was the only air pollutant that showed a significant positive correlation with all harmful effects on health, whereas PM₁₀ showed a strong interdependence with health outcomes, except when related to cases of cardiovascular hospitalizations. Among the climate parameters analyzed, the correlation between minimum temperature and health parameters, especially cardiovascular deaths, stands out. This study collaborated to high spot the importance of updating public policies related to air quality and urban mobility, highlighting the harmful effects on cardiorespiratory health due to exposure to air pollutants and the advantages of improving air quality in large urban centers.