Aleksandra Thomas
Pronouns: she/hers
Research Mentor(s): Peter Larson
Co-Presenter:
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Institute of Social Research/School of Public Health/SEAS / Other
Presentation Date: April 20
Presentation Type: Oral5
Session: Session 4 – 2:40pm – 3:30 pm
Room: Breakout room 5
Authors: Peter Larson, Aleksandra Thomas
Presenter: 5
Abstract
Air pollution exposure significantly increases susceptibility to cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and neuroticism. When evaluating the impact of particulate matter exposure on neuroticism, existing literature neglects the potential of this association on mental health related mortality. The current study uses a novel case crossover design to assess associations between short term lag exposure to particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) and mortality from suicide, alcohol related liver failure and opioid drug overdose. Death records pertaining to the study variables for years 2006 to 2020 from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) were pulled with daily PM2.5 concentrations as measured by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Socio-economic Data and Applications Center (SEDAC). Lag associations of PM2.5 and mortality were tested using stratified regression models. Exposure to extreme levels of PM2.5 at 7-10 days is significantly associated with elevated risk for suicide. We found non-significant positive associations between alcohol related liver failure and PM2.5 exposure. There was no association of PM2.5 exposure with overdose. Future research is needed to continue investigation into the potential role of fine particulate matter exposure in suicidal completion.
Biomedical Sciences, Environmental Studies, Interdisciplinary, Social Sciences
