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From Mass to Molecules: PM2.5 Constituents and Cardiopulmonary Admissions in Makkah

Yousef Alsufayan1,2, Shedrack R Nayebare1, Omar S Aburizaiza3

  • 1Department of Environmental Health Sciences, College of Integrated Health Sciences, University at Albany, Albany, NY 12201, USA.

Toxics
|May 27, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) composition, especially black carbon (BC), significantly increases cardiovascular and pulmonary hospital admissions in Makkah. Health impacts were most pronounced in older adults, emphasizing the need for emission controls.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Air Pollution Epidemiology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Particulate matter (PM2.5) toxicity is influenced by its chemical composition, not just mass.
  • Understanding specific PM2.5 constituents' health impacts is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the short-term associations between daily PM2.5 constituents and hospital admissions for cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
  • To identify specific PM2.5 components driving adverse health outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Daily PM2.5 constituent data (black carbon, nitrate, ammonium, trace elements) were collected over twelve months.
  • Data were linked to hospital admissions, stratified by visit type, age, and sex.
  • Negative-binomial generalized linear models were used to estimate adjusted relative risks, controlling for meteorological and temporal factors.

Main Results:

  • Black carbon (BC) was significantly associated with increased cardiovascular and pulmonary emergency/outpatient visits (aRR=1.18) and inpatient admissions (aRR=1.25).
  • Nickel and sulfur also showed significant associations; crustal elements did not.
  • Multi-pollutant models confirmed BC and lead (Pb) as independent predictors.
  • Health effects were most pronounced in older adults (45-65 years) within 0-2 days of exposure.

Conclusions:

  • PM2.5 composition, particularly black carbon, is a critical determinant of cardiopulmonary hospital admissions in Makkah.
  • Findings underscore the importance of controlling emissions from traffic and industrial combustion sources to mitigate public health risks.
  • Targeted emission reduction strategies focusing on specific pollutants like BC are recommended.
Keywords:
Saudi Arabiaair pollutioncardiopulmonary diseaseschemical constituentparticulate matter

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