Effectiveness of residential wood-burning regulation on decreasing particulate matter levels and hospitalizations in the San Joaquin Valley Air Basin.

OBJECTIVES: We examined the impact of Rule 4901, aimed at reducing residential wood burning, on particulate matter levels and hospitalizations in the San Joaquin Valley Air Basin (SJVAB).

METHODS: Using general linear mixed models and generalized estimating equation models, we compared levels of particulate matter and of hospital admissions (age groups = 45-64 and ≥ 65 years) in the SJVAB for cardiovascular disease (CVD), ischemic heart disease (IHD), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease during the burn seasons before (2000-2003) and after (2003-2006) implementation.

RESULTS: After implementation, we observed reductions of 12%, 11%, and 15% in particulate matter  2.5 micrometers in diameter or smaller (PM2.5), and 8%, 7%, and 11% in coarse particles, in the entire SJVAB and in rural and urban regions of the air basin, respectively. Among those aged 65 years and older, Rule 4901 was estimated to prevent 7%, 8%, and 5% of CVD cases, and 16%, 17%, and 13% of IHD cases, in the entire SJVAB and in rural and urban regions, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that Rule 4901 is effective at reducing wintertime ambient PM2.5 levels and decreasing hospital admissions for heart disease among people aged 65 years and older.