Long-term exposure to air pollution increases the risk of asthma in children and adults

Long-term exposure to PM2.5 pollutants significantly increases the risk of asthma in children and adults, contributing to approximately 30% of asthma cases worldwide.

Test: Long-term exposure to PM2.5 has significant adverse effects on asthma in children and adults: a global meta-analysis and health impact assessment. Image source: Shutterstock AI/Shutterstock.com

In a recent study published in One Earthresearchers are reviewing existing evidence on the impact of long-term exposure to fine particulate air pollution on the risk of developing asthma.

Global burden of asthma

Currently, over 250 million people around the world suffer from asthma, the symptoms of which, such as wheezing and coughing, can seriously impact the affected person’s quality of life and, in severe cases, can be life-threatening. Treating asthma requires ongoing treatment and health care, which places a financial burden on individuals and society.

Exposure to particulate matter 2.5 microns or less in diameter (PM_2.5) is a potential risk factor for asthma for a long time; however, previous research on this relationship has shown inconsistent results. Moreover, many of these studies were conducted in high-income countries, which limits their generalizability to other regions of the world.

Additional research is needed to clarify the relationship between asthma and PM_2.5because air pollution is a modifiable risk factor. Conclusive evidence about this link may also support develop policies and personal actions that can reduce exposure.

Association of asthma with air pollution

In the current study, researchers conducted a systematic review of long-term PM_2.5 asthma exposure and risk based on 1,027 records from studies involving over 25 million participants in 22 countries.

To assess the impact of PM, meta-response and exposure analyzes were performed_2.5 exposure to the risk of asthma. PM-induced asthma health burden_2.5 exposure was calculated and compared to the burden caused by other PM-related diseases_2.5like lung cancer.

The initial review identified 3,406 studies, 41 of which focused on childhood asthma and 18 on adult asthma. The included studies represented a broad global premiere_2.5 exposure, accounting for over 90% of the world’s population.

Increasing MP_2.5 concentrations of 10 µg/m3 were associated with a 21.4% enhance in all types of asthma in children and a 7.1% enhance in asthma in adults. A higher risk of asthma was associated with PM exposure_2.5 early in life, and the risk increases with age. However, wide variation was observed between studies, which researchers attributed to the different methods used to assess exposure and the different compositions of PM_2.5.

Political implications

The incidence of asthma has increased significantly worldwide since the 21st century^street 20th century, especially in low- and middle-income countries. About 4% of the world’s population suffers from asthma, and 30 million fresh cases are diagnosed each year.

In the current study, researchers found evidence of a linear relationship between PM_2.5 concentrations and the risk of asthma. In 2019, approximately one in three asthma cases worldwide was associated with PM_2.5 exposure.

Children are at increased risk of developing PM-induced asthma_2.5 exposure, which may be due to increased age-related susceptibility. Currently, there is constrained evidence on the impact of PM_2.5 exposure to asthma mortality, as most studies have focused on the prevalence and incidence of asthma.

Every prime minister_2.5 the ingredient affects asthma differently; for example, organic matter and soot have a stronger effect than inorganic particles. Other pollutants are often associated with PM_2.5; however, the inclusion of these pollutants does not significantly alter the relationship between PM_2.5 and asthma.

Overall, the study results highlight the importance of reducing air pollution, especially PM_2.5to reduce the risk of asthma in adults and children around the world. Stricter air quality regulations could reduce the burden of asthma and significantly improve public health.

Strengths and limitations

Notable limitations of the current study include the various methods used to measure PM_2.5with inaccuracies that may lead to biased risk estimates. Future research using high-resolution data may improve the accuracy of these measurements. The heterogeneity of different studies also highlights the need to standardize PM measurement methods_2.5 exposure and diagnosis of asthma.

Strengths of the current study include the gigantic and geographically diverse sample, as well as the utilize of stringent data criteria to minimize bias and enhance the reliability of the results. However, there is still a lack of high-quality longitudinal studies conducted in low- and middle-income countries.

Conclusions

Researchers in the current study conducted a comprehensive global meta-analysis of more than 25 million people, including data from low- and middle-income countries. Long-term prime minister here_2.5 Exposure has been found to significantly enhance the risk of asthma in both adults and children.

“Our findings highlight the urgent need for policymakers to enforce stringent regulations to continually combat air pollution, and personal maneuvers such as wearing masks may also support reduce individual exposure and reduce the risk of asthma.”