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 |
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Authors: | Margaret C Nikolov Brent A Coull Paul J Catalano Edgar Diaz John J Godleski |
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Institution: | Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, USA |
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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. |
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Keywords: | Latent variables Particulate matter Receptor model Respiratory response Source apportionment Structural equation model |
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