The association between particulate matter 2.5 and thyroid function and thyroid cancer: a meta-analysis.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Endocrinology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Inconsistent epidemiological findings link atmospheric particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) exposure to thyroid dysfunction.
• Understanding the impact of PM2.5 on thyroid function is crucial for public health.
• Thyroid cancer risk associated with PM2.5 exposure requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on the association between PM2.5 exposure and thyroid function.
• To clarify the relationship between PM2.5 levels and the risk of thyroid dysfunction.
• To assess the impact of PM2.5 on thyroid cancer risk.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search of Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, and PubMed up to April 2024.
• Inclusion of 27 studies from 1322 collected articles.
• Meta-analysis of PM2.5 exposure data and thyroid function markers (TSH, FT4).

Main Results:

• PM2.5 exposure is a significant risk factor for hypothyroidism (incidence risk increase of 0.15).
• Higher PM2.5 levels in Asian populations correlated with increased TSH and decreased FT4.
• Increased PM2.5 exposure during pregnancy was linked to elevated TSH and decreased FT4.

Conclusions:

• PM2.5 exposure is confirmed as a risk factor for diminished thyroid function.
• High PM2.5 levels in Asian populations significantly affect thyroid hormones (TSH, FT4).
• Monitoring and reducing PM2.5 exposure during pregnancy is essential to mitigate thyroid dysfunction risks.