Air pollution exposure   

FOI REFERENCE: 24033

FOI TITLE: Air pollution exposure   

FOI DATE: 11^th April 2024

The number of hospital admissions over the last five years (including 2024, where possible) where air pollution has contributed to the admission. For example, asthma or COPD induced or worsened by air pollution exposure. 

Between 16^th March 2019 and 16^th April 2024, there were 98 patients admitted to WAHT where the diagnosis code ICD Z581 (exposure to air pollution) was recorded.  On review of the primary diagnosis for admission, there were only 4 instances where the code related to COPD (no instances of asthma).

The top three primary diagnoses were

Malignant neoplasm: Upper lobe, bronchus or lung	16
Mesothelioma of pleura	12
Pleural effusion, not elsewhere classified	12

The number of deaths recorded over the last five years (including 2024, where possible) where air pollution is related to the cause of death. For example, when a patient has died as a result of acute or chronic respiratory failure, a severe asthma attack or COPD which was worsened by air pollution exposure. 

Data not held electronically