Air pollution and death rates in multiple Latin American cities

Increased ambient concentrations of PM10 are associated with a statistically significant rise in mortality risk across nine Latin American cities.

• For every 10 microg/m3 increase in PM10, a 0.77% increase in all-natural-cause mortality risk is indicated.
• In Mexico City and Santiago, the increases in mortality risk associated with PM10 were 1.02% and 0.48%, respectively.
• Significant associations were found between PM10 and increased mortality from respiratory, cardiovascular, and chronic obstructive lung diseases in most cities.
• Ozone exposure was linked to increased mortality in cities such as Mexico City and São Paulo, but the percentage increases were generally smaller compared to PM10.
• Socioeconomic status (SES) influenced mortality risk, with medium SES individuals in Mexico City showing higher all-natural-cause mortality, while low SES individuals had elevated respiratory mortality risks.
• Infants and young children demonstrated heightened susceptibility to both PM10 and ozone, particularly in Mexico City and Santiago.

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