Correlation of PM_2.5 pollution and daily mortality rate of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in Northeast China through PM_2.5 sources analysis

Abstract Objective This study aims to evaluate the relationship between PM 2.5 concentration and daily mortality rate from cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases (CCVD) in cold regions of northern China, as well as to identify the primary sources of PM 2.5 . Methods A time series analysis model was used to calculate the exposure-response relationship between PM 2.5 and CCVD mortality in Harbin. Positive matrix factorization (PMF) was employed to analyze the sources of PM 2.5 . Results After adjusting for multiple pollutant combinations, the maximum excess risk of cardio-cerebrovascular death on the day of PM 2.5 exposure was 0.42% (95% CI: 0.15%-0.70%). Stratification by gender and age revealed that the elderly individuals and men were particularly susceptible to PM 2.5 exposure. The source analysis identified seven major pollution sources contributing to PM 2.5 in Harbin. Conclusion Our findings strengthen the evidence that PM 2.5 is an independent risk factor for daily CCVD mortality, identify vulnerable populations that require special attention, and pinpoint the primary sources of PM 2.5 in Harbin. These findings provide reference points for effectively reducing the health risks associated with PM 2.5 exposure.