A LARGE-scale study in Catalonia, Spain, has revealed a significant association between long-term air pollution exposure and hospital admissions for acute lower respiratory infections in adults.
Researchers analysed data from a cohort of 3,817,820 residents as of 2015, tracking hospitalisations between 2015–2019. Air pollution exposure levels were assigned based on individuals’ residential addresses using locally developed models. The study examined concentration–response relationships and assessed interactions between exposure and clinical or socio-economic factors, using both multiplicative and additive scales to identify vulnerable subgroups.
An interquartile range increase in air pollution exposure was associated with an 8% rise in hospital admissions for nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), 10% for fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅), 5% for coarse particulate matter (PM₁₀), and 18% for ozone (adjusted for NO₂). The concentration–response functions displayed non-linear trends, with steeper increases at lower exposure levels or at extreme high values. The study found that individuals over 65 years of age, those diagnosed with hypertension, and males experienced the greatest risk, suggesting heightened susceptibility in these groups.
These findings reinforce concerns about the health impact of air pollution, particularly for vulnerable populations. The study highlights the need for stricter air quality regulations and targeted public health interventions to mitigate the risks associated with chronic exposure to pollutants.
Ada Enesco, EMJ
Reference
Alari A et al. Long-term exposure to air pollution and lower respiratory infections in a large population-based adult cohort in Catalonia. Environ Int. 2025; DOI:10.1016/j.envint.2024.109230.
