Impact of Particulate Matter on Hospitalizations for Respiratory Diseases and Related Economic Losses in Wuhan, China

BACKGROUND: Prior studies have reported the effects of particulate matter (PM) on respiratory disease (RD) hospitalizations, but few have quantified PM-related economic loss in the central region of China. This investigation aimed to assess the impacts of PM pollution on the risk burden and economic loss of patients admitted with RD. METHODS: Daily cases of RD admitted to the hospital from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2020 were collected from two class-A tertiary hospitals in Wuhan, China. Time series analysis incorporated with a generalized additive model (GAM) was adopted to assess the impacts of fine particulate matter (PM(2.5)) and inhalable particulate matter (PM(10)) exposures on patients hospitalized with RD. Stratified analyses were performed to investigate underlying effect modification of RD risk by sex, age, and season. The cost of illness (COI) approach was applied to evaluate the related economic losses caused by PM. RESULTS: A total of 51,676 inpatients with a primary diagnosis of RD were included for the analysis. PM(2.5) and PM(10) exposures were associated with increased risks of hospitalizations for RD. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that men and children in the 0–14 years age group were more vulnerable to PM, and the adverse effects were promoted by low temperature in the cold season. A 152.4 million China Yuan (CNY) economic loss could be avoided if concentrations of PM(2.5) and PM(10) declined to 10 and 20 μg/m(3), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: PM(2.5) and PM(10) concentrations were positively associated with RD hospitalization. Men and children were more vulnerable to PM. Effective air pollution control measures can reduce hospitalizations significantly and save economic loss substantially.