Air pollution linked to more than 700 health conditions

A recent study on all Danish residents over the age of 30 found that long-term exposure to air pollution was linked to the onset of more than 700 health conditions, according to a recent paper published in BMJ.

In short:

• These 700+ conditions account for more than 80% of the reported illnesses in the Danish population.
• Of the conditions studied, air pollution had the strongest association with chronic pulmonary disease, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
• The study also linked air pollution to conditions that have not previously been tied to pollution exposure, like cataracts, hearing loss, and urinary tract infections.

Key quote:

“Overall, our study findings suggest that all organ systems may be adversely affected by exposure to air pollution.”

Why this matters:

Air pollution is one of the leading risk factors for human health globally, responsible for an estimated 6.6 million deaths in 2019 alone. While many of the negative effects of air pollution are well established, the results of this study suggest that air pollution has a much more extensive impact on health than previously understood – even at relatively low levels of exposure. The authors of this study highlight the need for further research to better grasp and prevent the full range of harmful outcomes associated with exposure.

Related EHN coverage:

• Air pollution linked to Parkinson's disease in two new studies
• New study finds air pollution particles in human breast milk
• Eliminating fossil fuels would save millions of lives, study finds

More resources:

• Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL): Resources on Air Quality.
• US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Air Topics (including air quality data from where you live)

Hegelund, Emilie Rune et al. for BMJ vol. 14. Feb. 19, 2024