Occupational Disparities in PM2.5-Related Mortality in Seoul, South Korea: Applying Distributed Lag Models

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine occupational disparities in PM2.5-related mortality in Seoul, South Korea. METHODS: We analyzed a comprehensive, population-based dataset of daily all-cause mortality and PM2.5 concentrations in Seoul over a five-year period. Generalized Additive Models and Distributed Lag Models were employed to estimate the short-term associations between PM2.5 and mortality across different subgroups, including age, sex, and occupation. RESULTS: A significant positive association between PM2.5 and mortality was observed, with distinct patterns among socio-demographic subgroups. In particular, blue-collar workers and elementary workers showed substantially higher relative risks (RR). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate that individual's occupations are important determinants of PM2.5 vulnerability. Air quality management policies should move beyond universal concentration targets and incorporate tailored management for high-risk groups and individuals to effectively mitigate environmental health inequalities.