Researchers analyzing more than 338,000 people in Europe found that long-term exposure to common air pollutants was linked to faster biological aging, potentially helping explain increased risks of hospitalization and premature death.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Long-term exposure to air pollution may accelerate the body’s biological aging process, according to new research examining hundreds of thousands of participants across Europe.
The study analyzed data from two major population cohorts — the UK Biobank and the Lifelines study in the Netherlands — involving more than 338,000 individuals. Researchers investigated whether exposure to common airborne pollutants contributed to faster biological aging and whether that process helped explain higher rates of illness and death associated with polluted environments.
Investigators estimated participants’ exposure to fine particulate matter known as PM2.5, coarse particulate matter known as PM10, and nitrogen dioxide, or NO2, using residential address data.
The research team used the UK Biobank cohort of 309,467 participants and the Lifelines cohort involving 29,146 individuals. Biological aging was assessed using established health markers designed to measure the functional condition of cells and organ systems rather than chronological age alone.
Researchers reported that higher long-term exposure to all three pollutants was consistently associated with accelerated biological aging in both cohorts.
According to the findings, biological aging explained between 11.5% and 52.3% of the observed relationship between air pollution and all-cause mortality. It also accounted for between 7.5% and 25.4% of the connection between pollution exposure and hospitalization risk.
The effects were identified even at pollution levels commonly found throughout Europe, suggesting that ongoing moderate exposure may contribute to cumulative cellular damage over time.
Scientists have previously documented how environmental contaminants can damage DNA and disrupt cellular repair mechanisms. The researchers noted that pollution exposure may increase oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which are associated with aging-related decline.
Additional research cited alongside the study supported similar conclusions. A Stanford University-led investigation published in the journal Aging examined 64 environmental chemicals detected in blood and urine samples from more than 2,300 American adults. That study found many of the chemicals were associated with faster biological aging when measured using epigenetic aging markers.
The European researchers said their findings help clarify one mechanism through which poor air quality contributes to chronic disease and reduced lifespan.
Independent experts not involved in the study said the research strengthens evidence that pollution affects more than the lungs and cardiovascular system by accelerating aging at the cellular level.
Biological age differs from chronological age because it measures the functional condition of tissues, organs, and cellular systems rather than simply the number of years lived.
The researchers suggested reducing pollution exposure could help slow biological aging and potentially lower risks of chronic disease and premature death.
Among the practical recommendations highlighted were the use of HEPA air purifiers indoors, improving ventilation, and limiting exposure to indoor pollutants such as cigarette smoke, burning candles, and volatile organic compounds emitted by certain building materials and furnishings.
Experts also advised avoiding outdoor exercise during peak traffic periods and spending time in green spaces where tree coverage can help reduce particulate exposure.
The report further noted that healthy lifestyle habits may help support the body’s natural repair systems. Diets rich in fruits and vegetables, adequate sleep, and regular physical activity were identified as factors associated with improved cellular maintenance and recovery.
Researchers concluded that air quality should increasingly be viewed as a longevity and aging issue in addition to its well-established respiratory health impacts.
Source: Natural News
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