Long-Term Exposure to Ambient Fine Particulate Matter and Mortality From Renal Failure: A Retrospective Cohort Study in Hong Kong, China.

Numerous studies have indicated that ambient particulate matter is closely associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, yet the evidence for its association with renal disease remains underrecognized. We aimed to estimate the association between long-term exposure to fine particulate matter, defined as particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to 2.5 μm (PM2.

Does the AQHI reduce cardiovascular hospitalization in Hong Kong's elderly population?

Background: Air quality alert programs have been introduced around the world to reduce the short term effects of air pollution on health. Hong Kong, a densely populated city in southern China with high levels of air pollution, introduced its first air quality health index (AQHI) on December 30th 2013. However, whether air quality alert program warnings, such as the AQHI, reduces morbidity is uncertain.

Air quality changes after Hong Kong shipping emission policy: An accountability study.

Background: On July 1st 2015, Hong Kong became the first city in Asia to implement a policy regulating sulfur dioxide (SO) in shipping emissions. We conducted an accountability study assessing the improvement in ambient air quality and estimating the effect on health outcomes of the policy.

Method: We used interrupted time series (ITS) with segmented regression to identify any change in ambient concentrations of SO in contrast to other ambient pollutants (particulate matter <10 μm in diameter (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO) and ozone (O)) at 10 monitoring stations in Hong Kong from 2010 to 2017.

Increased susceptibility to heat for respiratory hospitalizations in Hong Kong.

Background: Emerging studies have shown temperature-mortality association is changing over time, but little is known about the temporal changes of the temperature-morbidity association.

Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the temporal variations in both temperature-respiratory hospitalizations associations and temperature-related attributable risks in Hong Kong.

Methods: We collected 17-year time-series data on daily ambient temperature and emergency hospital admissions for respiratory diseases between 2000 and 2016 in Hong Kong.

Short-term and long-term exposures to fine particulate matter constituents and health: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Fine particulate matter (Particulate matter with diameter ≤ 2.5 μm) is associated with multiple health outcomes, with varying effects across seasons and locations. It remains largely unknown that which components of PM are most harmful to human health.

Effects of ambient benzene and toluene on emergency COPD hospitalizations: A time series study in Hong Kong.

Background: Although numerous studies have demonstrated that the criteria air pollutants increased the risk of exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), few have explored the effects of ambient benzene and toluene on COPD.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the short-term effects of ambient benzene and toluene on emergency COPD (eCOPD) hospitalizations.

Methods: We obtained daily mean and maximum concentrations of benzene and toluene during April 1, 2011 - December 31, 2014 from the Hong Kong Environmental Protection Department, and daily counts of eCOPD hospitalizations from the Hospital Authority.

Interactions between serum folate and human papillomavirus with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia risk in a Chinese population-based study.

Background: Although folate deficiency has long been implicated in cancer development, uncertainties remain concerning its role in cervical cancer prevention. In particular, the interaction between human papillomavirus (HPV) and folate in the risk of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) has been little studied.

Objective: The goal of this study was to evaluate the dose-response association of serum folate with the risk of CIN, and the potential for HPV to modify the risk of CIN.

Urban climate modified short-term association of air pollution with pneumonia mortality in Hong Kong.

Background: City is becoming warmer, especially in the process of urbanization and climate change. However, it is largely unknown whether this warming urban climate may modify the short-term effects of air pollution.

Objectives: To test whether warmer urban climates intensify the acute mortality effects of air pollution on pneumonia in Hong Kong.

Major air pollutants and risk of COPD exacerbations: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Short-term exposure to major air pollutants (O, CO, NO, SO, PM, and PM) has been associated with respiratory risk. However, evidence on the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations is still limited. The present study aimed at evaluating the associations between short-term exposure to major air pollutants and the risk of COPD exacerbations.