Statistical methods to evaluate health effects associated with major sources of air pollution: a case-study of breathing patterns during exposure to concentrated Boston air particles

Authors: Nikolov, Margaret C.; Coull, Brent A.; Catalano, Paul J.; Diaz, Edgar; Godleski, John J.

Source: Journal of the Royal Statistical Society: Series C (Applied Statistics), Volume 57, Number 3, June 2008 , pp. 357-378(22)

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

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Abstract:

Summary.

We conduct a case-study evaluating the source-specific effects of particulate matter on respiratory function. Using a structural equation approach, we assess the effect of different receptor models on the estimated source-specific effects for univariate respiratory response. Furthermore, we extend the structural equation model by placing a factor analysis model on the response to represent the measured respiratory responses in terms of underlying respiratory patterns. We estimate the particulate matter source-specific effects on respiratory rate, accentuated normal breathing and airway irritation and find a strong increase in airway irritation that is associated with exposure to motor vehicle particulate matter.

Keywords: Latent variables; Particulate matter; Receptor model; Respiratory response; Source apportionment; Structural equation model

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9876.2008.00618.x

Affiliations: 1: Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, USA

Publication date: 2008-06-01