Research report (Health Effects Institute)
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Res Rep Health Eff Inst · Mar 2011
Part 1. Short-term effects of air pollution on mortality: results from a time-series analysis in Chennai, India.
This report describes the results of a time-series analysis of the effect of short-term exposure to particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter < or = 10 pm (PM10) on mortality in metropolitan Chennai, India (formerly Madras). This was one of three sites in India chosen by HEI as part of its Public Health and Air Pollution in Asia (PAPA) initiative. The study involved integration and analysis of retrospective data for the years 2002 through 2004. ⋯ While the approaches developed in previous studies served as the basis for our model development, the present study has new refinements that have allowed us to address specific data limitations (such as missing measurements and small footprints of air pollution monitors). The methods developed in the study may allow better use of routine data for time-series analysis in a broad range of settings where similar exposure and data-related issues prevail. We hope that the estimates derived in this study, although somewhat tentative, will facilitate local environmental management initiatives and spur future studies.