This study measured the association between levels of total reduced sulfur (TRS) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and hospital visits for asthma, all respiratory diseases, and all digestive diseases among children and adults in Dakota City and South Sioux City, Nebraska, during 1998 and 1999. Since 1997, H2S levels up to 1,375 parts per billion (ppb)(15-minute sampling period) and TRS levels up to 2,226 ppb (30-minute sampling period) have been measured in this community. Time series analyses of daily hospital visits and measures of TRS and H2S were performed using generalized additive models with a Poisson link. Smoothing functions were used to fit models of both the time effect and the effects due to temperature and relative humidity. A positive association was found between asthma hospital visits and 1-day lagged TRS levels for children under18 years of age. A positive association for children also was found between hospital visits for all respiratory diseases and 1-day lagged H2S levels and 1-day lagged TRS. No association was found for adults. TRS or H2S levels may be associated with the exacerbation of asthma or other respiratory diseases among children in Dakota City and South Sioux City. These exploratory findings offer a hypothesis worthy of further testing.
Learning Objectives: Attendees will gain a basic understanding of time series analyses and the relationship between asthma and select air toxics.
Keywords: Asthma, Hazardous Air Pollutants
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.