Respiratory Hospitalizations and Their Relationship with Air Pollution Sources in the Period of FIFA World Cup and Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Abstract

Background: From 2010 onwards, the city of Rio de Janeiro has undergone changes related to the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games, potentially affecting the respiratory health of inhabitants. Thus, the spatial distribution of respiratory hospitalizations (2008–2017) and the relationship between this outcome and potential air pollution sources in the city of Rio de Janeiro (2013–2017) were evaluated. Methods: An ecological study was performed using the Bayesian model with multivariate Poisson regression for the period of the sporting events (2013–2017). The outcome was the ratio of hospitalizations for respiratory diseases by the population at risk. Data analysis was performed in the total population and by sex and age group. The air pollution-related variables included industrial districts, traffic density, tunnel portals, a seaport, airports, and construction/road work. Results: All explanatory variables, except tunnel portals, were associated with an increase in the outcome. Construction/road work showed a greater magnitude of association than the other pollution-related variables. Airports were associated with an increased hospitalization ratio among the ≥60 year-old group (mean = 2.46, 95% credible intervals = 1.35–4.46). Conclusion: This study allows for a better understanding of the geographical distribution of respiratory problems in the city of Rio de Janeiro. Present results may contribute to improved healthcare planning and raise hypotheses concerning exposure to air pollution and respiratory hospitalizations.

Health impact of indoor air pollution in the gulf region: A review

“…Recently, indoor air quality in Qatar has been negatively altered by the large scale preparations for the World Cup that will be hosted in November and December 2022. An increase in industrial work and infrastructure construction led to a rise in variables associated with higher air pollution in the country, including noise, dust, traffic density, and construction/road work (14). Together with poor ventilation of rooms, burning of biomass (Arabian incense), and overcrowding, ambient air pollutants infiltration into residential buildings contributes significantly to indoor pollution in cities across the Arabian Gulf region (15).…”

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