Health effects of particulate matter of 1 µm or less in China: novel exposure assessment technology and important health outcomes

Particulate matter with a median aerodynamic diameter ≤ 1 μm (PM1) is a major component of fine particulate matter. Due to the smaller size, PM1 is potentially more harmful than coarser particles. Currently, knowledge about spatiotemporal trends of PM1 and its health effects is very limited. In this thesis, daily concentrations of PM1 and PM2.5 were predicted across China during 2005-2016 using satellite remote sensing data and novel statistical models. The short-term effects of PM1 and PM2.5 on emergency hospital visits and their long-term effects on autism spectrum disorder and survival after ischaemic stroke were examined in China.