Do Cold Weather and Fine Particulate Matter Air Pollution Cause Early Deaths in the Elderly?

摘要: As discussed in Chap. 7, 2011, the United States EPA projected that further reducing levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) will significantly extend life expectancy (EPA 2011). Similarly, Fann et al. (2012) estimated “about 80,000 premature mortalities [per year] would be avoided by lowering PM2.5 to 5 μg/m3 nationwide” and 2005 cause about 130,000 per year among people over age 29, with a simulation-based 95 % confidence interval 51,000–200,000. Likewise, recent, influential, NASA-led study computer-predicted benefits measures combat global warming concluded 0.7–4.7 million deaths (and increases temperatures moderated) near term pollutants such as black carbon emissions (Shindell 2012). Pope (2009) from regression model association between reductions pollution changes 211 county units USA “A decrease 10 μg cubic meter concentration was associated an increase mean (±SE) 0.61 ± 0.20 (P = 0.004).” They interpreted statistical coefficient causally, implying reduction exposure ambient air contributed significant measurable improvements States,” although without reporting results any formal tests this causal interpretation, for example, using methods 1 Bauwens (2006).