Insee Analyses · July 2021 · n° 67

Depending on the air pollutants, the immediate effects on emergency admissions and on mortality differ

Measuring the health effect of different air pollutants and separating their respective effects is difficult. Air pollution and health indicators can be correlated for many reasons related to human activities, and different pollutants are usually present in the air simultaneously. Using altitude weather conditions to predict the concentration of a specific pollutant allows to isolate its effect. Indeed, they influence air pollutants in a distinct way without directly affecting the health of the population.

Air pollutants affect same-day emergency hospital admissions and mortality. These effects are distinct according to the pollutants. An increase in ozone or sulfur dioxide leads to an increase in respiratory-related emergency admissions, especially among the youngest and the elderly. An increase in carbon monoxide induces an increase in cardiovascular-related emergency admissions, especially among the elderly. Finally, an increase in fine particles or sulfur dioxide causes an increase in mortality, respectively cardiovascular-related or respiratory-related.