Statistical methods for estimating the environmental burden of disease in Canada, with applications to mortality from fine particulate matter

In this paper, we describe statistical approaches for estimating the burden of disease. Specifically, we present life-table methods that can be used to determine years of life lost (YLL) due to the disease of interest. In addition, we propose a new variance estimator for the life table based estimator of YLL and demonstrate its accuracy through computer simulation. We also indicate how the population attributable fraction (PAF) of the disease can be calculated in relation to a known risk factor for the disease. The PAF effectively represents the fraction of the disease burden that would be eliminated in the absence of the risk factor of interest. Finally, we illustrate the use of these methods in assessing the PAF for all cause, lung cancer and cardiopulmonary mortality associated with ambient concentrations of fine particulate matter present in ambient air in Canada. Copyright (c) 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.