The Short-term Impact of Air Pollution on the Mortality. Results of the EMECAM Project in the Metropolitan Area of Bilbao

Abstract

Background: The objective of this study was to assess the short-term impact of air pollution with Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), Total Suspended Particles (TSP), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) and Black Smoke (BS) on the daily number of deaths in the Metropolitan Area of Bilbao. Methods: The EMECAM project protocol was followed. Results: Increases in TSP, in both maximum hourly figures and daily averages, are significantly associated with increases in the daily number of deaths from all causes, from circulatory causes and from all causes among those older than 70. No differences between six-month periods were found. NO2 average levels were associated with daily mortality from respiratory causes in the entire period and during the warm season, and from all causes among those older than 70 in the cool months. Conclusions: TSP levels are associated with daily mortality in the Metropolitan Area of Bilbao. The relationship between NO2 and the number of deaths from respiratory causes, very high in the warm season, needs further