Objectives: To explore associations between population density, air pollution concentrations, and related health outcomes in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand.

Methods: Concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO) and fine particulate matter (PM) and associated health outcomes (premature mortality, cardiovascular and respiratory hospitalisations, and childhood asthma) were obtained from the Health and Air Pollution in New Zealand 2016 study. The possible mediating factors assessed were motor vehicle traffic, domestic fires, local industry, and green space.

Results: Higher population density was associated with higher concentrations of NO (β: 0.18, p < 0.01) and PM (β: 0.04, p < 0.01). Adverse health outcomes related to NO and respiratory hospitalisations attributed to PM exposure increased incrementally with the density of urban areas. The mediating factor with the strongest effect was motor vehicle traffic.

Conclusions: Higher population density in Auckland is associated with worse air quality and related health outcomes. Motor vehicle traffic is the most important source of pollution and is highest in the most densely populated parts of the city.

Implications For Public Health: Housing intensification in Auckland will likely increase ill health from air pollution unless steps are taken to reduce exposure to emissions from motor vehicles.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.anzjph.2024.100213DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

health outcomes
20
population density
16
higher population
12
air pollution
12
motor vehicle
12
density associated
8
associated worse
8
worse air
8
air quality
8
health
8

Similar Publications

Background: Over the past five years, the pregnancy rate in assisted reproductive technology (ART) programs in Russia has remained relatively stable. The aim of this study was to assess the distribution of monocyte and macrophage subsets in the blood and follicular fluid of infertile women undergoing assisted reproductive technology.

Methods: The study involved 45 women with a mean age of 35 ± 4.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: The inheritance of the short allele, encoding the serotonin transporter (SERT) in humans, increases susceptibility to neuropsychiatric and metabolic disorders, with aging and female sex further exacerbating these conditions. Both central and peripheral mechanisms of the compromised serotonin (5-HT) system play crucial roles in this context. Previous studies on SERT-deficient (Sert) mice, which model human SERT deficiency, have demonstrated emotional and metabolic disturbances, exacerbated by exposure to a high-fat Western diet (WD).

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) and its related vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) may play a significant role in atherosclerosis and their targeting is a strategic approach that may affect multiple pathways influencing disease progression. This study aimed to perform a systematic review to reveal current evidence on the role of HIF-1α and VEGF immunophenotypes with other prognostic markers as potential biomarkers of atherosclerosis prognosis and treatment efficacy.

Methods: We performed a systematic review of the current literature to explore the role of HIF-1α and VEGF protein expression along with the relation to the prognosis and therapeutic strategies of atherosclerosis.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: We aimed to assess impairments on health-related quality of life, and mental health resulting from Retinal artery occlusion (RAO) with monocular visual field loss and posterior circulation ischemic stroke (PCIS) with full or partial hemianopia using patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs).

Methods: In a prospective study, consecutive patients with acute RAO on fundoscopy and PCIS on imaging were recruited during their surveillance on a stroke unit over a period of 15 months. Baseline characteristics were determined from medical records and interviews.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Diabetes is a chronic lifelong condition that requires consistent self-care and daily lifestyle adjustments. Effective disease management involves regular blood glucose monitoring and ongoing nursing support. Inadequate education and poor self-management are key factors contributing to increased mortality among diabetic individuals.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!