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Background <p>Although fine particulate matter (PM<sub>2.5</sub>) is a well-established environmental risk factor for cardiorespiratory diseases, evidence from sub-Saharan Africa remains limited. This study presents the first assessment of the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Kinshasa from 2018 to 2020, evaluating the associated cardiorespiratory health risks across all age groups. Methods: Hospital admissions for respiratory and cardiovascular (HARC) diseases were analyzed in relation to short-term exposure to PM<sub>2.5</sub> concentrations. Health data were obtained from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), while PM<sub>2.5</sub> concentrations were measured using Purple Air PA-II-SD sensors from March 2018 to August 2020. The AQI and qualitative risk categories were determined using the U.S. AQI model, and relative risks (RRs) for HARC diseases were estimated using AirQ + software. In situ monitoring of PM<sub>2.5</sub> recorded high daily mean concentrations, exceeding the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline value (15&#xa0;µg/m³). Results: The AQI analysis revealed no days classified as “good”, with most days falling within the “moderate” to “unhealthy. In 2018, “very unhealthy” levels were recorded for 1% of the days. A linear trend was observed for the RRs with clear seasonal components. The highest risk occurred in the dry season (June–July), with elevated hospital admissions for respiratory diseases (RR: 1.258; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.000–1.616) and cardiovascular diseases (RR: 1.117; 95% CI: 1.021–1.222). Conclusions: These findings highlight the persistently poor air quality in Kinshasa and demonstrate the significant health risks associated with PM<sub>2.5</sub>. They underscore the urgent need for effective public health interventions and air quality management policies, particularly during the dry season, when these risks are greatest.</p>

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Short-term effects of PM2.5 exposure and cardiorespiratory health risks in a Sub-Saharan African urban setting

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2025年12月13日

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  • Mélanie Kinzunga Ngutuka,
  • Daniel Masisa Matondo,
  • Freddy Bangelesa,
  • Bernard Phanzu Kianu,
  • Benoit Obel Kabengele,
  • Thierry Tabou Tangou,
  • Joël Nkiama Konde,
  • Elisephane Irankunda,
  • Guillaume Mbela Kiyombo,
  • Jean Marie Ntumba Kayembe

摘要

Background

Although fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is a well-established environmental risk factor for cardiorespiratory diseases, evidence from sub-Saharan Africa remains limited. This study presents the first assessment of the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Kinshasa from 2018 to 2020, evaluating the associated cardiorespiratory health risks across all age groups. Methods: Hospital admissions for respiratory and cardiovascular (HARC) diseases were analyzed in relation to short-term exposure to PM2.5 concentrations. Health data were obtained from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), while PM2.5 concentrations were measured using Purple Air PA-II-SD sensors from March 2018 to August 2020. The AQI and qualitative risk categories were determined using the U.S. AQI model, and relative risks (RRs) for HARC diseases were estimated using AirQ + software. In situ monitoring of PM2.5 recorded high daily mean concentrations, exceeding the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline value (15 µg/m³). Results: The AQI analysis revealed no days classified as “good”, with most days falling within the “moderate” to “unhealthy. In 2018, “very unhealthy” levels were recorded for 1% of the days. A linear trend was observed for the RRs with clear seasonal components. The highest risk occurred in the dry season (June–July), with elevated hospital admissions for respiratory diseases (RR: 1.258; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.000–1.616) and cardiovascular diseases (RR: 1.117; 95% CI: 1.021–1.222). Conclusions: These findings highlight the persistently poor air quality in Kinshasa and demonstrate the significant health risks associated with PM2.5. They underscore the urgent need for effective public health interventions and air quality management policies, particularly during the dry season, when these risks are greatest.