Table 6

Further investigation of associations with PEF exacerbations and dyspnoea: single and multiple pollutant models*

Model*Single pollutant modelsMultiple pollutant models
OR (unit change)SEp ValueOR (unit change)SEp ValueOR (IQR change)
Symptomatic fall in PEF (N=78)
 Model 1
  NO21.0040.0030.1370.9990.0030.7090.983
  PM101.0060.0030.0291.0070.0030.0421.140
 Model 2
  NO21.0040.0030.1371.0020.0040.6541.025
  Black smoke1.0070.0040.0501.0050.0050.3061.049
 Model 3
  PM101.0060.0030.0291.0060.0040.0831.126
  Black smoke1.0070.0040.0501.0000.0050.9530.998
 Model 4
  NO21.0040.0030.1370.9990.0040.7250.980
  PM101.0060.0030.0291.0070.0040.0641.137
  Black smoke1.0070.0040.0501.0010.0060.9071.006
Dyspnoea n=77
 Model 1
  NO21.0030.0030.3380.9970.0030.3801.017
  PM101.0060.0020.0081.0080.0030.0071.031
 Model 2
  NO21.0030.0030.3381.0010.0040.7600.961
  Black smoke1.0030.0050.5261.0030.0060.5981.159
 Model 3
  PM101.0060.0020.0081.0080.0030.0071.156
  Black smoke1.0030.0050.5260.9960.0060.4550.961
 Model 4
  NO21.0030.0030.3380.9980.0040.5780.970
  PM101.0060.0020.0081.0080.0030.0051.168
  Black smoke1.0030.0050.5260.9980.0070.7330.979
  • * In addition to individual pollutants (previous day), each model includes outdoor temperature (average of the min and maximum) and season (four categories) plus control for autocorrelation. Models 1–3 each contain two pollutants analysed together. Model 4 includes all three pollutants.

  • ORs are for a 1 unit change in pollution level (ppb for NO2, O3, SO2; μg/m3 for PM10, black smoke).

  • ORs are for an IQR change in pollutant level.

  • PEF, peak expiratory flow; PM, particulate matter.