PM2.5 Air Pollution and Hospital Admissions: A Data-Driven Analysis of Outpatient and Inpatient Trends Across Age Groups

Abstract

Air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5), has been increasingly linked to adverse health outcomes, leading to a surge in hospital admissions. This study presents a data-driven analysis of the relationship between PM2.5 levels and hospital admissions, focusing on both outpatient department (OPD) visits and inpatient department (IPD) admissions across different age groups. Through a systematic examination of hospital records over multiple weeks, we identify a strong correlation between elevated PM2.5 concentrations and increased hospital visits, particularly among elderly individuals (>60 years), who show the highest inpatient admissions. Our results reveal that when PM2.5 levels exceed 40 µg/cu.m, hospital visits peak, whereas a decline in pollution levels corresponds with a significant reduction in admissions. These findings emphasize the critical role of air quality management in public health and healthcare system preparedness. The study provides compelling evidence for policymakers, healthcare institutions, and environmental health researchers to implement targeted interventions aimed at mitigating the health burden associated with air pollution, particularly for vulnerable populations.