Effects of Short-Term Exposure to Ambient Air Pollution on Hospital Admissions for Acute Myocardial Infarction in Bangkok, Thailand

Background/Aim: Although health effects of air pollutants are reported in many countries around the world especially in western countries, few studies have been conducted in Thailand where pollution mix, weather conditions, and demographic characteristics are different. This study aims to investigate the short-term effects of ambient air pollution on hospital admissions for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in Bangkok, Thailand. Methods: We obtained daily air pollution concentrations (O3, NO2, SO2, PM10, PM2.5, and CO) and weather variables monitored in Bangkok from 2006 to 2014. A total of 26,334 daily admissions for AMI were obtained from 72 hospitals in Bangkok during the study period. A time-series regression analysis with a generalized linear model was used to examine the effects of air pollution on hospital admissions by controlling for time trends and other possible confounders. The effect modifications by age (15-64 years and ≥ 65 years), gender, and season were also examined. Results: We found th...