# Fine particulate matter, suicide, and urbanicity in South Korea: A nationwide time-stratified cases-crossover study

## TL;DR

This study explores how short-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is linked to suicide risk in South Korea, finding stronger effects in rural areas and younger people.

## Contribution

The study provides new evidence on the heterogeneous impact of PM2.5 on suicide risk by urbanicity and age groups in South Korea.

## Key findings

- PM2.5 was marginally associated with suicide risk in the overall population.
- The association was stronger in rural areas and individuals aged 0–44 years.
- Metropolitan women aged 45–64 and rural men aged 0–44 showed the highest risk estimates.

## Abstract

Previous studies reported a link between exposure to ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and suicide. However, due to the lack of data from unmonitored areas, it has been difficult to assess heterogeneous impacts of PM2.5 by urbanicity. This case-crossover study investigated the relationship between short-term PM2.5 and suicide (2015–2019). In the overall population (65,634 suicide deaths), PM2.5 was marginally associated with suicide risk (odds ratio [OR]: 1.008, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.997–1.020). However, the association was stronger in rural areas (OR: 1.044, 95% CI: 0.996–1.095) and individuals aged 0–44 years (OR: 1.025, 95% CI: 1.002–1.048) compared to metropolitan/urban areas and older age groups. Metropolitan women aged 45–64 years (OR: 1.067, 95% CI: 1.013–1.124) and rural men aged 0–44 years (OR: 1.129, 95% CI: 0.988–1.289) showed the highest OR estimates than other subpopulations. These findings provide evidence to support more targeted suicide intervention strategies.

•We examined the association between short-term PM2.5 and suicide in South Korea•The risk of PM2.5 more was pronounced in females and rural areas than other groups•People aged 0–44 years showed the highest PM2.5 risk on suicide compared to older groups•The higher risk in females was more evident in Metropolitan

We examined the association between short-term PM2.5 and suicide in South Korea

The risk of PM2.5 more was pronounced in females and rural areas than other groups

People aged 0–44 years showed the highest PM2.5 risk on suicide compared to older groups

The higher risk in females was more evident in Metropolitan

Public health; Environmental science