Effects of PM2.5 Air Pollutants on Cardiovascular Health in Ohio: A Secondary Data Analysis

BackgroundMultiple adverse health outcomes have been linked to air pollution, particularly exposure to particulate matter (PM2.5). JustificationThis research will help to identify the role that socioeconomic and geographical factors have in increased cardiovascular disease and cardiac events due to elevated exposure amounts of PM2.5. Minorities in the United States are more likely to have or die from cardiovascular disease and also are the majority of the occupants in low-income communities with high levels of PM2.5. MethodsPM2.5 pollutant concentrations were measured from 2016 to 2018 and collected by air quality monitoring equipment in Ohio. The cardiovascular disease data on adult residents of Ohio from 2016-2018 was from the National Vital Statistics System (NVSS) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Medicare Provider Analysis and Review (MEDPAR). R programming was used to find associations between cardiovascular disease and PM2.5 in Ohio. Contingency tables compared the consumption of PM2.5 and the rate of heart disease mortality. Heat maps indicated areas where heart disease mortality and PM2.5 concentrations were highest. ResultsThe average PM2.5 concentration in Ohio was determined to be 7.9 G/m3. The highest PM2.5 concentrations were found in Montgomery County, Ohio and the lowest were recorded in Allen County, Ohio. With increased population density, there was also an increase with PM2.5 concentrations (P<0.01). The association between cardiovascular disease mortality and PM2.5 rates in these counties was nonsignificant (P>0.01). It was also found that 31.8% of counties in Ohio had air monitoring while the remaining 68.2% did not have any form of it. ConclusionKnowing the risk of PM2.5 levels in any neighborhood could help community members and leaders pick a more appropriate course of action. Reducing air pollutants in these areas may in turn reduce cardiovascular disease in that population, leading to better health outcomes and longevity. This research also identified gaps in air monitoring that assists in prioritizing areas that need immediate remediation.