Air Pollution and Disrupted Microbiomes: Tracing the Impact on Human Health

Air pollution has been linked to various illnesses; however, recent research suggests that it may also impact the gut microbiota, which is crucial to human health. This scoping review aims to synthesize the existing literature on the impact of air pollution on gut microbiota and its associated health consequences. A comprehensive search was conducted across two databases, PubMed and Scopus, resulting in the selection of 159 papers for in-depth analysis. This review examines 158 research studies published between 2010 and 2025, investigating the impact of air pollution on gut flora. Recent studies on pollutants such as PM2.5, heavy metals, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have shown an increasing interest in the topic. Air pollution continuously alters the composition of the gut microbiota, which in turn impacts respiratory, neurological, cardiovascular, and metabolic health. The gut-lung and gut-brain axes play essential roles in mediating these effects. The impact of air pollution can be mitigated with protective measures, including probiotics, symbiotics, and dietary adjustments. The health impacts of early and prolonged exposure to air pollution are long-lasting, especially for children. Air pollution is increasingly influencing gut microbiota and can potentially exacerbate several illnesses. Further investigations are necessary to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and the broader public health implications.