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Fine Particulate Matter Air Pollution, Proximity to Traffic, and Aortic Atherosclerosis
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Fine Particulate Matter Air Pollution, Proximity to Traffic, and Aortic Atherosclerosis

Ryan W. Allen, Michael H. Criqui, Ana V. Diez Roux, Matthew Allison, Steven Shea, Robert Detrano, Lianne Sheppard, Nathan D. Wong, Karen Hinckley Stukovsky and Joel D. Kaufman
Epidemiology (Cambridge, Mass.), v 20(2), pp 254-264
01 Mar 2009
PMID: 19129730
Featured in Collection :   UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel

Abstract

Life Sciences & Biomedicine Public, Environmental & Occupational Health Science & Technology
Background: The initiation and acceleration of atherosclerosis is hypothesized as a physiologic mechanism underlying associations between air pollution and cardiovascular effects. Despite toxicologic evidence, epidemiologic data are limited. Methods: In this cross-sectional analysis we investigated exposure to fine particulate matter (PM(2.5)) and residential proximity to major roads in relation to abdominal aortic calcification, a sensitive indicator of systemic atherosclerosis. Aortic calcification was measured by computed tomography among 1147 persons, in 5 US metropolitan areas, enrolled in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. The presence and quantity of aortic calcification were modeled using relative risk regression and linear regression, respectively, with adjustment for potential confounders. Results: We observed a slightly elevated risk of aortic calcification (RR = 1.06; 95% confidence interval = 0.96-1.16) with a 10 mu g/m(3) contrast in PM(2.5). The PM(2.5)-associated risk of aortic calcification was stronger among participants with long-term residence near a PM(2.5) monitor (RR = 1.11; 1.00-1.24) and among participants not recently employed outside the home (RR = 1.10; 1.00-1.22). PM(2.5) was not associated with an increase in the quantity of aortic calcification (Agatston score) and no roadway proximity effects were noted. There was indication of PM(2.5) effect modifidation by lipid-lowering medication use, with greater effects among users, and PM(2.5) associations were observed most consistently among Hispanics. Conclusions: Although we did not find persuasive associations across our full study population, associations were stronger among participants with less exposure misclassification. These findings support the hypothesis of a relationship between particulate air pollution and systemic atherosclerosis.

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#3 Good Health and Well-Being
#11 Sustainable Cities and Communities

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Web of Science research areas
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
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