Health Risks and Lag Effects of Ambient PM 2.5 Exposure on Respiratory and Cardiovascular Mortality and Morbidity in Ratchaburi, Thailand

Exposure to ambient PM _2.5 is a well-established risk factor for respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. In terms of air quality, Ratchaburi, Thailand, faces increasing concerns concerning particulate pollution. This study investigated the health risks associated with PM _2.5 exposure in Ratchaburi from 2015 to 2019, specifically focusing on respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. An exposure–lag–response model was employed to assess health risks on the day of exposure and throughout a seven-day lag period. The results indicate that the risks associated with PM _2.5 exposure vary by age and gender across different lag periods. The elderly and adults were identified as the most vulnerable groups, exhibiting significantly higher risks for respiratory mortality and respiratory morbidity, respectively. Regarding gender, females were found to be significantly more vulnerable to respiratory morbidity. In terms of cardiovascular risks, adults represented the most vulnerable demographic for both mortality and morbidity, while males showed a significantly higher risk for cardiovascular mortality. The findings of this study highlight the necessity of conducting similar investigations in other regions, especially across different provinces of Thailand. These findings provide critical evidence to support policymakers in developing targeted public health interventions and adequate air quality management strategies aimed at enhancing the well-being of the population and safeguarding against the impacts of air pollution, specifically PM _2.5 .