The Interaction between Ambient PM 10 and NO 2 on Mortality in Guangzhou, China

Air pollution is now a significant environmental issue in China. To better understand the health impacts of ambient air pollution, this study investigated the potential interaction between PM 10 and NO 2 on mortality in Guangzhou, China. Time series data of daily non-accidental mortality and concentrations of PM 10 and NO 2 from 2006 to 2010 were collected. Based on generalized additive model, we developed two models (bivariate model and stratified model) to explore the interaction both qualitatively and quantitatively. At lag of 0–2 days, greater interactive effects between PM 10 and NO 2 were presented in the graphs. Positive modified effects were also found between the two pollutants on total non-accidental death and cardiovascular death. When the NO 2 concentration was at a high level (>76.14 μg/m 3 ), PM 10 showed the greatest excess relative risk percentage (ERR%) for total non-accidental mortality (0.46, 95% CI: 0.13–0.79) and cardiovascular disease mortality (0.61, 95% CI: 0.06–1.16) for each 10 μg/m 3 increase. During the period of high PM 10 concentration (>89.82 μg/m 3 ), NO 2 demonstrated its strongest effect for total non-accidental mortality (ERR%: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.42–1.42) and cardiovascular disease mortality (ERR%: 1.20, 95% CI: 0.38–2.03). Our results suggest a positive interaction between PM 10 and NO 2 on non-accidental mortality in Guangzhou.