An update on the association between ambient short-term air pollution exposure and daily outpatient visits for conjunctivitis: a time-series study in Hangzhou, China.

Air pollution is a major public health problem that can lead to conjunctivitis. This study aimed to explore the associations between air pollutants and outpatient visits for conjunctivitis in Hangzhou, China. This study collected data on 50,772 patients with conjunctivitis and the concentrations of six air pollutants from February 1, 2014, to August 31, 2018. A time series analysis using a generalized additive model (GAM) was conducted. We found that the risk of conjunctivitis was related to the air pollutants PM2.5, PM10, SO, NO, and O, which had concentration hysteresis effects. The risk of conjunctivitis increased by 1.009 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.003, 1.014), 1.011 (95% CI: 1.008, 1.015), 1.238 (95% CI: 1.186, 1.292), 1.028 (95% CI: 1.019, 1.038), and 1.013 (95% CI: 1.008, 1.017) for every 10 µg/m increase in PM2.5, PM10, SO, NO, and O concentrations, respectively. The lag effects of SO and NO were stronger than those of particulate matter. Females exposed to PM10, PM2.5, SO, and O had a higher risk of conjunctivitis than males, while males exposed to NO had a nearly identical risk of conjunctivitis as females. People aged 19-59 were more likely to suffer from conjunctivitis. The risk of conjunctivitis caused by PM10, SO, and O was highest in the transitional season, while the risk caused by NO was highest in the winter season. In conclusion, females and middle-aged adults were at higher risk of conjunctivitis. People were more susceptible to conjunctivitis during the transitional season. These findings highlight the importance of atmospheric pollution governance and reference for public health measures.