Contaminación del aire y mortalidad por enfermedades del sistema respiratorio en tres comunas de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, período 2011-2014

Abstract

The development of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, mainly in children and the elderly, is related to air pollution. The main mobile source of emissions is vehicular traffic that is related to the growth and age of the automotive fleet and the quality of the fuel used. The levels of air pollution in large cities exceed in most cases the standards established by the GCA, increasing respiratory mortality that corresponds to the third cause of death worldwide (WHO, 2016). The objectives of this study were to describe the behavior of air pollutants: particulate matter less than 10 microns (PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and carbon monoxide (CO); mortality due to diseases of the respiratory system according to ICD-10; and the correlation between the levels of pollutants under study and respiratory mortality in communities 2, 4 and 6 of the Buenos Aires City in the period 2011-2014. The research design corresponds to an ecological descriptive exploratory study and secondary data sources used in the air quality emissions inventory (GCBA), Health Statistics and Information Division and General Directorate of Statistics and Census (GCBA). The results obtained have been found mostly within the standard established by the city regulations; during the winter season, the main pollution levels are presented, which coincide with the months in which the highest percentage of deaths is recorded, being concentrated in the age group of 80 years and more especially in women, being influenza and pneumonia (J10-J18) the main cause of death for both sexes. The relationship between the levels of PM10, NO2 and CO and mortality due to respiratory causes shows the positive and moderate correlations in the three communes. Research is needed on the impact of air pollution on adverse health effects, which contribute to the reorientation of intersectoral management that prioritizes environmental aspects for health care.