Frontiers in Public Health (Sep 2023)

Impact of desert dust storms, PM10 levels and daily temperature on mortality and emergency department visits due to stroke

  • M. Murat Oktay,
  • M. Murat Oktay,
  • Behcet Al,
  • Behcet Al,
  • Mustafa Boğan,
  • Mustafa Boğan,
  • Seval Kul,
  • Hasan Gümüşboğa,
  • Hasan Gümüşboğa,
  • Hasan Bayram,
  • Hasan Bayram

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1218942
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 11

Abstract

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ObjectiveIt is known that the inhalation of air pollutants adversely affects human health. These air pollutants originated from natural sources such as desert storms or human activities including traffic, power generating, domestic heating, etc. This study aimed to investigate the impacts of desert dust storms, particulate matter ≤10 μm (PM10) and daily maximum temperature (MT) on mortality and emergency department (ED) visits due to stroke in the city of Gaziantep, Southeast Turkey.MethodThe data on mortality and ED visits due to stroke were retrospectively recruited from January 1, 2009, to March 31, 2014, in Gaziantep City Centre.ResultsPM10 levels did not affect ED visits or mortality due to stroke; however, MT increased both ED visits [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.002, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.001–1.003] and mortality (OR = 1.006, 95% CI = 0.997–1.014) due to stroke in women. The presence of desert storms increased ED visits due to stroke in the total population (OR = 1.219, 95% CI = 1.199–1.240), and all subgroups. It was observed that desert dust storms did not have an increasing effect on mortality.ConclusionOur findings suggest that MT and desert dust storms can induce morbidity and mortality due to stroke.

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