Epidemiology Analysis on the Association of Inhalable Particulate Matters with Cardiovascular Diseases in an Industrial City

Linyi, a typical industrial city, has historically experienced severe air pollution. However, since the environmental protection inspection in 2014, there has been a significant improvement in air quality. The question remains as to whether this improvement has reduced the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study examines the associations between inhalable particulate matter (PM_2.5 and PM₁₀) and CVD in Linyi from 2014 to 2019. A distributed lag non-linear model (DLNM) was used to analyze the exposure-response relationship between particulate matter and CVD. The results confirmed that exposure to PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ significantly increases the risk of CVD. The highest relative risk (RR) was observed in severe PM_2.5 pollution (PM_2.5 = 217 µg m⁻³, RR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.12–2.41). Both females and individuals aged over 65 years showed increased susceptibility to air pollution, particularly at high PM concentrations. The highest RRs for females exposed to PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ were 1.89% (95% CI: 1.20–2.97) and 1.45% (95% CI: 0.98–2.14), respectively. For the elderly population, the highest RRs associated with PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ were 2.07% (95% CI: 1.22–3.50) and 1.58% (95% CI: 1.01–2.49), respectively. High temperatures significantly increased the impact of PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ on CVD risks, especially when PM_2.5 concentrations were at intermediate levels (50^th percentile) during the warm season. This research suggests that despite improvements in air quality, the health risks associated with particulate matters for CVDs persist. It is recommended that local authorities develop long-term strategies for improving air quality, especially in high-risk areas. These findings provide a comprehensive health risk assessment and can serve as a scientific basis for air pollution mitigation and the protection of vulnerable populations.