Long-term exposure to PM _2.5 components and lipid profiles in WTC Health Program general responders

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health Science
• Toxicology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
• Previous research indicates associations between PM2.5 and elevated blood lipids, but specific component effects are less understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the associations between annual PM2.5 constituents and repeated blood lipid measurements.
• To identify specific PM2.5 chemical components driving lipid level changes.

Main Methods:

• Utilized generalized additive mixed effect models for single-pollutant associations with total cholesterol (TC), HDL-C, and LDL-C.
• Employed weighted quantile sum regression to assess combined effects of PM2.5 component mixtures.
• Analyzed data from 44,876 participants in the World Trade Center Health Program (2003-2019).

Main Results:

• A decile increase in the PM2.5 mixture was associated with increased TC (0.375 mg/dL) and LDL-C (0.302 mg/dL).
• Lead, organic carbon, and iron were identified as key drivers of elevated TC and LDL-C.
• Higher TC and LDL levels correlated with increased exposure to organic carbon and iron.

Conclusions:

• PM2.5 exposure is associated with elevated blood lipid levels, with significant variations based on composition.
• Organic carbon, lead, and iron are major contributors to PM2.5-induced lipid alterations.
• Findings highlight risks for populations exposed to severe air pollution, potentially increasing cardiovascular event susceptibility.