The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #67346

Rebecca L Calderon, PhD, MPH, Human Studies Division, Office of Research & Development, US EPA, 104 Mason Farm Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, 919-966=0617, calderon.rebecca@epa.gov

There is an increasing body of literature that suggests that the elderly have an increased risk of effects associated with elevated air pollution levels. These effects have primarily been associated with acute fluctuations in ambient air pollutants. The major air pollutants studied include: ozone, particulate matter 2.5 micron, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxides. The effects linked to rising levels of air pollutants include mortality and morbidity of both cardiovascular and pulmonary effects. Epidemiologic studies in the United States, Canada and Europe have demonstrated significant associations of ambient air pollutants with hospital admissions for respiratory and cardiovascular disease. Recent research has focused on understanding the mechanism of action for particulate matter or particle sizes less than 2.5 microns. Work by EPA scientists and others have suggested that elevated concentrations of PM2.5 are associated with lower heart rate variability in the elderly. Heart rate variability (HRV) is an indicator of the diminished ability of the heart to respond to stress and has been identified by other studies as a risk factor for mortality from cardiovascular disease. Particulate matter air pollution does not appear to induce heart disease but rather exacerbates an existing cardiovascular condition in elderly individuals. Little information exists on what are the effects of long term exposures (life long) to ambient air pollutants.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe in a concise format, the information on the health effects of air pollution on the elderly. This will inform those groups that work with the elderly and provide background information on this issue.

Keywords: Air Pollutants, Heart Disease

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.