Heat wave effect on mortality in summer 2003 and 2006 in Prague

Background: During August 2003 and July 2006 there were observed records of high temperature and high concentrations of pollutants across Europe. The effect of heat waves led to significant increases in total mortality, respiratory mortality and cardiovascular mortality. This study evaluates the association between exposure to the heat waves and daily non- accidental mortality, respiratory mortality and cardiovascular mortality in Prague, the Czech Republic. Methods: The effect of heat waves in summer 2003 and 2006 on mortality was investigated using the negative binomial regression (type of the Poisson model). Counts of death were regressed on temperature, long-term trends, season, day of week and concentrations of pollutants (O3 levels, PM10 levels, NO2 levels, SO2 levels, CO levels). We used one day lag. Results: We found an association between the heat waves in summer 2003 and 2006 and daily mortality and mortality on respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. No statistically significant association was detected. The effect of the heat wave was more significant in women. Conclusions: The effect of the heat wave in August 2003 and July 2006 caused adverse effect on the mortality in Prague, though lower as compared to many other cities in Europe. Keywords: heat wave, mortality, temperature, ozone,..