Key takeaways:
- Exposure to fine particulate matter raised the risk for a diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension.
- Previous/current smokers vs. never smokers faced greater risks for PH and death with air pollutant exposure.
Introduction
Individuals exposed to some ambient air pollutants faced heightened risks for both diagnosis and death of pulmonary hypertension, according to results published in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety.
Methods
In a multistate trajectory analysis, researchers evaluated 494,750 individuals from the UK Biobank study to determine how exposure to nitrogen dioxide, nitrogen oxides, PM2.5 and PM10 are linked to PH incidence and death through multivariate multistate models. Researchers used mean annual concentration data from the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on the various pollutants and individuals’ home addresses to estimate their level of exposure.
Results
Of the total cohort, 2,517 individuals had a diagnosis of incident PH over median follow-up of 11.75 years, 696 of whom died. When assessing air pollution exposure in relation to PH incidence, researchers found elevated risks with all studied pollutants following adjustment for various factors. The pollutants with the highest hazard ratios per interquartile range (IQR) increase included PM2.5 (adjusted HR =1.73) and PM10 (aHR = 1.7), followed by nitrogen dioxide (aHR = 1.42) and nitrogen oxides (aHR = 1.35). The risk for PH mortality also appeared impacted by all studied pollutants, with the highest hazard ratios found with exposure to PM2.5 (HR =1.35) and PM10 (HR = 1.31), followed closely by nitrogen dioxide (HR = 1.28) and nitrogen oxides (HR = 1.24).
Additional Analysis
During an additional analysis that separated previous (34.3%) and current smokers (10.5%) from never smokers (54.6%), researchers found that individuals who previously or currently smoked had stronger associations for PH with exposure to PM2.5, PM10, nitrogen dioxide, and nitrogen oxides. Previous or current smokers also faced stronger risk for death with PH when exposed to either type of particulate matter (PM2.5: HR = 1.45; PM10: HR = 1.41).
Demographic Factors
When considering individual demographics (sex, education, age, income), researchers found that men faced a higher risk for PH than women with nitrogen dioxide exposure. Additionally, an increased risk for PH with exposure to each of the four pollutants was found among individuals with a low vs. high level of education.
Sustainable Development Goals
These findings significantly enhance our understanding of the potential effects of air pollution on the pulmonary vasculature, providing valuable new data for evaluating the long-term effect of air pollution exposure on PH. Furthermore, formulating policies that aim to improve air quality and reduce exposure to air pollution is crucial, especially for individuals who are highly susceptible.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
The article discusses the health effects of exposure to air pollutants, specifically fine particulate matter and nitrogen compounds, on pulmonary hypertension. This relates to SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. It also connects to SDG 11, which focuses on creating sustainable cities and communities by addressing air pollution and its impact on public health. Additionally, the article touches on SDG 13, which addresses climate action and the need to reduce air pollution to mitigate its effects on health.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
- Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
The article highlights the increased risk of pulmonary hypertension and mortality associated with exposure to air pollutants. These findings align with Target 3.9 of SDG 3, which aims to reduce deaths and illnesses caused by air pollution. It also relates to Target 11.6 of SDG 11, which focuses on improving air quality in cities. Additionally, the article emphasizes the need to address air pollution as part of climate change measures, supporting Target 13.2 of SDG 13.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Incidence and mortality rates of pulmonary hypertension
- Concentration levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10)
- Concentration levels of nitrogen dioxide and nitrogen oxides
The article mentions the incidence and mortality rates of pulmonary hypertension as indicators of the health impact of air pollution. These indicators can be used to measure progress towards Target 3.9 of SDG 3. Additionally, the concentration levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and nitrogen compounds (nitrogen dioxide and nitrogen oxides) serve as indicators of air pollution levels, which can be monitored to assess progress towards Target 11.6 of SDG 11 and Target 13.2 of SDG 13.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | – Incidence and mortality rates of pulmonary hypertension – Concentration levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) – Concentration levels of nitrogen dioxide and nitrogen oxides |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. | – Incidence and mortality rates of pulmonary hypertension – Concentration levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) – Concentration levels of nitrogen dioxide and nitrogen oxides |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | – Incidence and mortality rates of pulmonary hypertension – Concentration levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) – Concentration levels of nitrogen dioxide and nitrogen oxides |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: healio.com
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