The short-term effect of particulate matter on cardiorespiratory drug prescription, as a proxy of mild adverse events

The association between particulate matter < 10µm in aerodynamic diameter (PM10) and mild disease episodes, not leading to hospitalization or death, has been rarely investigated. We studied the short-term effect of PM10 on purchases of specific cardiorespiratory medications, as proxies of mild episodes, in 7 small- and medium-sized cities of Northern Italy, during 2005-2006.