Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease epidemiology

There has been great interest in airborne particulate matter recently due to the results of a number of epidemiological studies showing a correlation between increased mortality and levels of airborne particles. Figure 2.14 shows one such correlation reported by Dockery et al. (1993). A clear relationship between mortality rates and the concentration of fine particles PM25, as well as with particle sulfate, is seen. Since sulfate is found primarily in fine particles, these observations are not independent. Schwartz et al. (1996) report a 1.5% increase in total daily mortality with an increase of 10 pg m-3 in PM25. Deaths due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease increased by 3.3% and those to ischemic heart disease by 2.1%. 

Clinical Epidemiology of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, edited by M. J. Hensley and N. A. Saunders... 

Chapman KR, Maimino DM, Soriano JB, et al. Epidemiology and costs of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Eur Respir J 2006 27 188-207. 

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