Association of Fine Particles With Respiratory Disease Mortality: A Meta-Analysis

Short-time exposure to high levels of fine particles (particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter <= 2.5 mu m; PM2.5) may trigger respiratory disease, but this association has not been determined. The objective of this study was to evaluate and quantify the short-time exposure to fine particles on respiratory disease mortality. Published articles were obtained from electronic databases and a validity assessment was used. The meta-analysis was conducted with the incorporation of good-quality studies. After applying the inclusion criteria, 9 articles were included in the study. The methodological qualities of the published studies were good, and every study achieved a score of 3. Fine particles were significantly associated with an increase in respiratory mortality risk (for every 10 mu g/m(3) increment, rate difference [RD] = 1.32%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.95%-1.68%; p =.000). These findings indicate that short-time exposure to fine particles could increase the risk of respiratory disease mortality.