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Project Code [2016-CCRP-MS.42]

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Project title

Impact of NO2 on health with particular emphasis on vulnerable groups

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

University of Dublin, Trinity College (TCD)

Lead Applicant

Margaret O'Mahony

Project Abstract

The multidisciplinary team of medical and engineering researchers will examine the implications for Ireland of recent indications of associations between NO2 and health impacts by 1) reviewing literature including the studies in the COMEAP review 2) assessing the future trajectories of drivers causing increased NO2 levels such as vehicle dependency, traffic levels and meteorological conditions 3) estimating the vulnerabilities of the population by analysing three health databases a) the HSE-Primary Care Reimbursement Services (HSE-PCRS) (formerly General Medical Services (GMS) Payments Board) database b) the Growing up in Ireland (GUI) database and c) the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) database. National prescription files will be analysed to identify all prescription items relating to medicines dispensed for the management of asthma/COPD (ATC code R03) in patients between 5yrs and 12yrs and over the age of 35 years. Health assessments of children and those aged over 50 included in the GUI and TILDA studies will be analysed to identify vulnerable groups and to investigate if relationships between rates of respiratory disease and NO2 levels are evident, within database constraints. The project will conclude with development of a set of mitigation strategies and solutions to reduce NO2 from the transport sector.

Grant Approved

�119,862.35

Research Hub

Climate Change

Research Theme

Air science

Start Date

01/03/2017

Initial Projected Completion Date

15/11/2018