Urban atmospheric environment and hospital admission for children in the city of Sao Paulo, Brazil

Abstract

Climatic changes pose public health risks. However, few studies have tried to identify how climate dynamics affect health, in order to obtain evidence-based data for risk-prediction models. Moreover, such studies are particularly scarce for tropical cities.
This study aimed to verify how intra-urban atmospheric conditions affect the respiratory health of children under five in the South- eastern part of Sao Paulo, Brazil, by associating atmospheric variables and the bioclimatic index PET (Physiological Equivalent Temperature) with hospital admissions. A total of 12,269 admissions of children for respiratory causes were analysed - CID 10, Chapter 10: Respiratory diseases (J00-J32; J40-J47; J80-J99). Daily data about the average, lowest and highest air temperatures (ºC), relative humidity (%) and wind speed (m/s) were obtained from the meteorological station of Congonhas airport. For control purposes, the air quality indexes were obtained from CETESB (the Sao Paulo State body for transferring technology and monitoring the environment and water quality) in Congonhas. Descriptive statistical analysis and regression models were used. Data were organized following a socio-environmental profile. Results indicate a statistical association between atmospheric variables, air pollution, and hospital admissions. There were no significant differences for the group of children with respiratory diseases living in districts with different environmental conditions.