The Impact of PM2.5 on the Incidence of Respiratory Diseases in Children and the Elderly

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the impact of PM2.5 on the incidence of respiratory diseases in children and the elderly. A quantitative research method was used, with a sample of 300 participants, including children aged 0-14 years and elderly individuals aged 60 years and above, residing in areas with different PM2.5 levels. Data were collected from hospital medical records and environmental agencies, and analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. The results indicate that higher PM2.5 levels are positively correlated with an increased incidence of respiratory diseases. In areas where PM2.5 levels exceeded 50 µg/m³, the incidence rate reached 45% for children and 55% for the elderly. Children in high PM2.5 areas had an increased risk of asthma and bronchitis by 1.8-2.2 times, while elderly individuals had a 2.5 times higher risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Additionally, hospitals in high PM2.5 areas experienced a 20-30% increase in patient admissions. These findings highlight the urgent need for policy interventions to control PM2.5 pollution and implement health protection measures for vulnerable populations.