Ambient PM 2.5 components might exacerbate bone loss among middle-aged and elderly women: evidence from a population-based cross-sectional study

• Published in: International archives of occupational and environmental health
• Main Authors: Zhang, Faxue, Zhu, Shijie, Di, Yanfeng, Pan, Minghao, Xie, Wei, Li, Xugui, Zhu, Wei
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Germany 26.07.2024
• Subjects: Components; Osteoporosis; T-score; Ammonium; Fine particulate matter; Bone mineral density

Previous studies have primarily focused on the links between fine particulate matter (PM ) and bone health among the general population instead of PM components and the specific population. We aimed to investigate the associations between PM components and bone health among middle-aged and elderly women. A total of 748 middle-aged and elderly women were randomly sampled from 32 streets/villages in Hubei Province. The concentrations of ambient PM and its components were extracted across various residential areas from the Tracking Air Pollution in China (TAP) dataset. Bone mineral density measurements were obtained from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans of study participants. Multivariable logistic and linear models were employed to assess the relationship between PM and its components and bone loss. Per interquartile range (IQR) increase in nitrate (NO ) and ammonium (NH ) concentrations were associated with 1.65 [95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.13, 2.30] and 1.77 (95% CI: 1.26, 2.49) times higher odds of osteoporosis, respectively. Long-term exposure to sulfate (SO ), NO , and NH was negatively associated with T-scores and bone mineral density in L1-L4 lumbar vertebrae. In addition, the elderly, women who have experienced menarche after the age of 14, and postmenopausal women were more susceptible to the water-soluble inorganic salts of PM . The study emphasizes the need for comprehensive policies addressing air quality, with a specific focus on vulnerable populations such as middle-aged and elderly women. Public health interventions aimed at reducing ambient PM concentrations and minimizing exposure to its harmful components are crucial in mitigating the adverse impact on skeletal health and improving the overall well-being of communities.