The potential osteoporosis due to exposure to particulate matter in ambient air: Mechanisms and preventive methods

ABSTRACT

Air pollution and health consequences associated with exposure to air pollutants, such as particulate matter, are of serious concerns in societies. Over the recent years, numerous studies have investigated the relation of many diseases with air pollutants. This review used a search strategy to provide the comprehensive information on the relationship between particle matters and osteoporosis. To this end, three search databases were used to find the articles focused on particle matters and osteoporosis. After the screening process, 13 articles related to the purpose of the study were selected and the relevant data were extracted. The results indicated that osteoporosis is significantly associated with PM₁₀. However, this association with PM_2.5 remains unclear. In addition, particle materials indirectly lead to the osteoporosis and bone fractures as a consequence of reduced UV-B, reduced adsorption of vitamin D. Furthermore, they can lead to other diseases by use of drugs with adverse effects on bone health, and creating conditions that may increase the risk of falling in the elderly. This review shows that although more accurate research is needed to determine the mechanism and risk of exposure to particulate matter in the air on bone health, the negative effects of this pollutant on bone mineral density (BMD) are evident.

Implications: PM is usually classified by its size or aerodynamic diameter; PM10 denotes particles < 10 µm in diameter; PM2.5 particles are <2.5 µm in diameter. Many epidemiological studies have shown that short-term exposure to PM might reduce lung function. However, short-term effects might be reversible, and the main concern is attributed to long-term exposure. A major public health concern that may be affected by numerous metabolic and even environmental risk factors is osteoporosis. The purpose of this systematic review was to investigate the role of PM in the occurrence or exacerbation of osteoporosis in citizens.

Acknowledgment

The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support given by the Research Center for Environmental Health Technology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran (Grant number: 16815).

Data availability statement

The authors confirm that the data supporting the findings of this study are available within the article [and/or] its supplementary materials.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Iran University of Medical Sciences [Grant Number: 1401-2-61-23884].

Notes on contributors

Javad Torkashvand

Javad Torkashvand is Ph.D. in Environmental Health Engineering.

Ahmad Jonidi Jafari

Ahmad Jonidi Jafari is Ph.D. in Environmental Health Engineering.

Hasan Pasalari

Hasan Pasalari is Ph.D. in Environmental Health Engineering.

Abbas Shahsavani

Abbas Shahsavani is Ph.D. in Environmental Health Engineering.

Yasaman Oshidari

Yasaman Oshidari is MSc in Environmental Health Engineering.

Vida Amoohadi

Vida Amoohadi is MSc in Environmental Health Engineering.

Majid Kermani

Majid Kermani is Ph.D. in Environmental Health Engineering.