A study of 49,615 non-emergency surgeries on Utah’s Wasatch Front found an association between higher air pollution and more post-surgical complications. The paper appears in Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica.
Researchers combined EPA and state air-quality sensors with satellite data to estimate PM2.5 levels at each patient’s home address for the week before surgery. PM2.5 is fine particulate matter that can affect the lungs and other organs.
When PM2.5 levels were higher than the EPA daily exposure limit in the week before surgery, the combined measure of post-surgical complications rose. The team reported the risk increased from 4.8% to 6.2% and that every 10 microgram per cubic meter rise in PM2.5 was linked to an 8% increase in relative risk.
The authors note the study used a composite outcome that combined many different post-surgical events, and because it is observational it cannot prove cause and effect. They say more research is needed to identify which specific complications increase.
Difficult words
- association — A link or connection between two things.
- estimate — To calculate a likely value or amount.
- PM2.5 — Very small particles in the air.
- particulate matter — Very small solid or liquid particles in air.
- exposure limit — The highest safe amount people can breathe.
- composite outcome — A combined result made from several different measures.
- observational — Based on observing without changing conditions.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Should patients try to avoid surgery on days with high air pollution? Why or why not?
- How could hospitals use information about local air pollution before scheduling surgeries?
- What steps can people take in the week before surgery to reduce their exposure to air pollution?
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