Health disparities attributable to air pollutant exposure in North Carolina: Influence of residential environmental and social factors

Health Place. 2020 Mar:62:102287. doi: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2020.102287. Epub 2020 Jan 31.

Abstract

Understanding the environmental justice implications of the mortality impacts of air pollution exposure is a public health priority, as some subpopulations may face a disproportionate health burden. We examined which residential environmental and social factors may affect disparities in the air pollution-mortality relationship in North Carolina, US, using a time-stratified case-crossover design. Results indicate that air pollution poses a higher mortality risk for some persons (e.g., elderly) than others. Our findings have implications for environmental justice regarding protection of those who suffer the most from exposure to air pollution and policies to protect their health.

Keywords: Air pollution; Environmental justice; Health disparities; Mortality.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Air Pollutants / adverse effects*
  • Cause of Death
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Environmental Exposure*
  • Female
  • Healthcare Disparities*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mortality / trends*
  • North Carolina
  • Ozone / analysis
  • Particulate Matter / analysis
  • Public Health*
  • Social Factors*

Substances

  • Air Pollutants
  • Particulate Matter
  • Ozone