Air pollution is bad for bone health according to new research

Exposure to air pollution has a negative impact on bone health, says a study published in JAMA Network Open.

While the effects of air pollution on respiratory disease and lung cancer have been well documented, there have been only a few studies when it comes to bone health… until now.

Experts recently analysed the association between air pollution and bone health in over 3,700 people from 28 villages outside the city of Hyberabad, in southern India.

The team estimated outdoor exposure to air pollution next to where people lived. Participants filled in a questionnaire on the type of fuel used for cooking. The authors linked this information with bone health assessed using a radiography that measures bone density and measured bone mass at the spine and left hip.

Exposure to air pollution was associated with lower levels of bone mass. No correlation was found with use of biomass fuel for cooking. The study coordinator, Cathryn Tonne, comments:

“Our findings add to a growing body of evidence that indicates that particulate air pollution is relevant for bone health across a wide range of air pollution levels, including levels found in high income and low-and medium income countries.”

Arthritis Digest Magazine was selected by Feedspot as one of the Top 5 Arthritis Blogs on the internet in 2019.

For more in-depth features, interviews and information, subscribe to Arthritis Digest magazine, a popular title that’s published six times a year. Click here for the digital version or tel 0845 643 8470 to order your had copy. You’ll know what your doctor is talking about, what new drugs are in the pipeline and be up to date on helpful products.