Air Pollution Implicated as a Contributing Cause of Numerous Age-Related Conditions
A growing body of evidence suggests that higher levels of particulate air pollution are associated with an increased incidence of age-related diseases and mortality. The main mechanism is believed to be the induction of chronic inflammation through the interaction of particulates with lung tissue. This persistent inflammation disrupts cellular and tissue function throughout the body, leading to the acceleration of common age-related conditions.
Recent research using Mendelian randomization (MR) has found significant causal relationships between exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and conditions such as angina pectoris, hypercholesterolaemia, and hypothyroidism. While the direct impact on longevity was not proven, it was found that PM2.5 exposure indirectly affects longevity through various health factors. These findings suggest that public health policies aimed at controlling air pollution could potentially improve life expectancy.
