Heat Waves and Related Mortality in Shanghai in 1998 and 2003 / 环境与健康杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To seek out the factors that influenced the mortality of population due to heat wave in Shanghai in summer(15 June-15 September). Methods Daily data of mortality of all causes, meteorological and air pollution in Shanghai in 1998 and 2003 were collected. Multivariate analysis was employed to investigate the relationship between mortality and heat wave intensity, duration, and timing within the summer season and air pollution concentrations. Results The heat wave in 1998 was more severe and caused a higher mortality than that in 2003. In 1998 heat wave, the heat wave duration,timing within the summer season were significantly associated with the daily number of deaths,while in 2003, besides the above two factors the daily maximum temperature also played an important role. Air pollution level slightly increased in heat wave and some factors such as air conditioner number, living space and urban greenbelt area could be used to explain the distinctive difference of heat related mortality between 1998 and 2003. Conclusion High temperature is the crucial factor for the high mortality of population due to heat wave in Shanghai in summer(15 June-15 September) in 1998 and 2003. Using air condition and enlarging living space will help to decrease the mortality.