Abstract: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common respiratory condition and one of the leading causes of death. Our aim was to analyze the association between emergency room visits due to this disease and meteorological variables and atmospheric contaminant levels in Santander, depending on the origin and trajectory of air masses. Methods Data from emergency room visits at Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla were collected on a daily basis during an 8-year period. Data on concentrations of the main atmospheric pollutants and meteorological variables were also recorded. Retrotrajectories leading to Santander at a height of 1500 m above sea level were then calculated. Finally, a correlation model was produced to evaluate the effect of the contaminants on emergency visits due to COPD. Results There is a direct association between PM10 levels and the number of visits to the emergency room due to COPD. For every 10 ?g/m3 increase in pollutant levels, emergency visits increase by3.34% (P=.00005), and this effect is enhanced in individuals over 74 years of age. This effect is heightened when PM10 levels depend on air masses from the South and when air recirculation occurs. There is no association between other pollutants and the number of visits to the emergency room. Conclusions Exposure to high levels of PM10 causes exacerbations in COPD patients. By studying the atmospheric circulation pattern, we can predict whether PM10 levels will be inappropriately high, and we can also obtain information about the particle components.

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