Exposure to Air Pollution Associated with More Hospital Admissions for Lower Respiratory Infections

Exposure to Air Pollution Associated with More Hospital Admissions for Lower Respiratory Infections


Graphical abstract. Credit: Environment International (2024). Doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.109230

Air Pollution is a Well-Known Risk Factor for Respiratory Diseases However, its contribution to lower respiratory infections —Those that Affect the Lower Respiratory TRACT, Including the lungs, bronchi and alveoli -alveoli -alveoli -well documentad, especially in adults.

To film this gap in knowledge, a team from the barcelona institute for global health (Isglobal) Ce of subgroups that are particularly vulnerable to these infections.

The results have been published in the journey Environment International,

The research shows that long-term experience2.5PM10No2 And Ozone (O3) Air pollution is associateed with more hospital admissions for lower respiratory tract infections in adults. The associations were stronger in men, people over 65 years and thats diagnosed with hypertension.

The study involved 3,800,000 adults from the covair-cat cohort, a large cohort of 7.7 million people based on the health system of catalonia. The Research Team Used Exposure Models to Estimate Annual Average Concentrations of PM2.5PM10No2 And Ozone during the warm season (May-September) Between 2018 and 2020 at the participants ‘Residences’.

Information on Hospital Admissions, Mortality and Comorbidities was obtained from Various Administer Databases. The Study Included Hospital Admissions for All LOWER Respiratory Infections and, Separately, the subgroup of hospital admissions for influenza and pneumonia.

A Statistical Model was then used to Assess the Association Between Air Pollution and Hospital Admissions.

“The Association Between Air Pollution and Hospital Admissions for Lower Respiratory Tract Infections was observed even at pollution levels beLows beLow current eu air quality standards,” Says ana alaria, IRST Author of the Study.

“It is Crucial to Adopt Stricter Air Quality Standards, as More AMBitious Measures to Reduce Air Pollution Would Decrease Hostel Admissions and Protect Vulnerable Population,” SHA DE DE DE DE DE DE DE DE DO DESTS.

Stronger Association in Men and People over 65

The Association Between Air Pollution and Hospitalizations for Lower Respiratory TRACT Infections Was More Pronounted in People Over 65 Years of Age or With Comorbidities, Compared with Younger Paeople Omorbidities.

Specifically, Elevated Levels of Air Pollution Were Approximately Three Times of Higher Rates of Hospital Admissions for Lower Respiratory Infections Among 65 years and Older H Younger People.

In addition, expert to elevated levels of no2PM2.5 or PM10 (but not o3) Was Associated with About A 50% Increase in Hospital Admissions in Men, While The Association was about 3% Higher in Women.

The team observed the same pattern for hospital admissions for influenza or pneumonia, but with smaller associations compared to lower respiratory infections.

“This may be due to the influence of available vaccines against the pathogens responsible for influenza and most cases of pneumonia,” Says cathryn tonne, Senior Author of the Study.

More information:
Anna Alari et al, long-term Exposure to Air Pollution and Lower Respiratory Infections in a Large Population-Based Adult Cohort in Catalonia, Environment International (2024). Doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.109230

Provided by Barcelona Institute for Global Health


Citation: Exposure to Air Pollution Associated with More Hospital Admissions for Lower Respiratory Infections (2025, February 4) retrieved 5 February 2025 from

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