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Study examines cardiometabolic effects of air pollutants, noise, and green space

2024
Air Pollution
Nitrogen Oxides
Multipollutant Mixtures
Particulate Matter
Traffic-related
Exposure Methods
Statistical Methods

HEI has published a new Research Report, Cardiometabolic Health Effects of Air Pollution, Noise, Green Space, and Socioeconomic Status: The HERMES Study. Led by Ole Raaschou-Nielsen of the Danish Cancer Institute, the research team investigated four traffic-related air pollutants (fine particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, ultrafine particulates, and elemental carbon), noise, and green space in relation to cardiometabolic health in 2.6 million adults in Denmark.

Key takeaways:

  • Individually, all air pollutants, noise, and lack of green space were associated with higher risk of type 2 diabetes, stroke, and heart attack, while associations adjusted for other exposures were less strong.
  • Air pollution from local traffic sources was more strongly associated with higher risk of type 2 diabetes, while air pollution from all other sources was more strongly associated with higher risk of heart attack and stroke.
  • Exposures to traffic-related air pollutants, noise, and a lack of green space were associated with increases in cholesterol and blood pressure, which are known contributors to cardiometabolic disease.
  • This study shows that exposures to traffic-related air pollution, noise, and a lack of green space are associated with higher risk of cardiometabolic diseases, but that air pollutant sources, presence of other risk factors, and exposure to multiple other factors influence those risks.

Read the Report