2019 Articles

Short-term Exposure to Fine Particles and Risk of Cause-Specific Mortality — China, 2013-2018

Chen, Chen; Li, Tiantian; Wang, Lijun; Qi, Jinlei; Shi, Wanying; He, Mike Zhongyu; Sun, Qinghua; Wang, Jiaonan; Zhu, Huanhuan; Shi, Xiaoming

What is already known about this topic?
Short-term exposure to PM2.5 has been associated with population excess death. This issue is of critical concern in China given its high level of exposure to PM2.5 compared to that of the rest of the world.

What is added by this report?
Existing studies were conducted from 2013-2015 and have failed to capture the full effects of China’s actions towards cleaner air in recent years, such as the first Action Plan for Air Pollution Prevention and Control issued in 2013. This study uses the longest time series data to date from 2013-2018, provides the latest evidence on PM2.5 and cause-specific death nationwide, and identifies regional patterns of PM2.5-related effects as well as PM2.5-related susceptible populations.

What are the implications for public health practice?
This study suggests that the development of standards and the implementation of actions to clean the air and protect public health should be tailored to PM2.5-related sensitive diseases, susceptible populations, and regional patterns.