Long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has significant adverse health impacts on the elderly, particularly increasing risks of mortality and cardiovascular diseases.
Increased Mortality Risk
- Studies of large cohorts of older adults in the U.S. have established a clear association between long-term PM2.5 exposure and increased all-cause mortality risk. For example, a study covering over 13 million older adults in the southeastern U.S. found that long-term exposure to PM2.5 increased mortality risk, even at concentrations below the current U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards for annual average PM2.5.
- The risk varies by several factors including sex, race, socioeconomic status, and urban versus rural residence, with urban residents showing higher hazard ratios for mortality linked to PM2.5 exposure.
- The chemical composition of PM2.5 also influences risk. Components such as sulfate (SO42−), ammonium (NH4+), and black carbon (BC) have been identified as strongly associated with increased mortality risks among older adults.
Cardiovascular and Cardiometabolic Effects
- Exposure to PM2.5 exacerbates cardiovascular risks in aging populations. PM2.5 contributes to oxidative stress and systemic inflammation in the heart, which can accelerate cardiovascular disease progression in the elderly.
- Chronic PM2.5 exposure increases the likelihood of hospitalization for various cardiovascular conditions among seniors, underscoring the burden of air pollution on elderly cardiovascular health. This has been supported by recent studies emphasizing the need for stricter air quality standards to protect this vulnerable group.
Respiratory and Other Health Impacts
- Long-term PM2.5 exposure is also linked to chronic respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer, conditions to which older adults are particularly susceptible.
Summary
In summary, the long-term health impacts of PM2.5 on the elderly include:
- Elevated all-cause mortality risk, especially related to PM2.5 chemical components like sulfate, ammonium, and black carbon.
- Increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality through oxidative stress and inflammation mechanisms.
- Higher rates of cardiovascular hospitalizations.
- Increased incidence of chronic respiratory diseases and lung cancer.
These findings highlight the critical public health need for stringent air pollution control policies to reduce PM2.5 exposure in older populations to mitigate these severe long-term health consequences.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-are-the-long-term-health-impacts-of-pm2-5-on-the-elderly/
