View article

Objective: To examine the short‐term health effects of air pollution on daily mortality in four Australian cities (Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney), where more than 50% of Australians reside.

Methods: The study used a similar protocol to APHEA2 (Air Pollution and Health: A European Approach) study and derived single‐city and pooled estimates.

Results: The results derived from the different approaches for the 1996‐99 period showed consistent results for different statistical models used. There were significant effects on total mortality, (RR=1.0284 per 1 unit increase in nephelometry [10^‐4. m^‐1], RR=1.0011 per 1ppb increase in NO₂), and on respiratory mortality (RR=1.0022 per 1ppb increase in O₃). No significant differences between cities were found, but the NO₂ and particle effects may refer to the same impacts. Meta‐analyses carried out for three cities yielded …