Short-term effects of air pollution on cardiovascular mortality in elderly in Niš, Serbia

Abstract

The short-term effects of air pollution on cardiovascular mortality in elderly were investigated in Niš, during the 2001-2005. Daily measurements of black smoke (BS) and sulphur dioxide (SO2), as well as the daily number of cardiovascular death among person ≥ 65 yrs of age, were collected. Generalized linear model extending Poisson regression was applied. The effects of time trend, seasonal variations, day of week, temperature, relative humidity and barometric pressure were analysed. The results did not support findings from previous studies that had shown an increase in the number of cardiovascular death in elderly in association with air pollution.